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The hunting season is in full swing, and it’s been a great year for many hunters. But one of the essential parts of any successful hunt is ensuring you are safe and protected.
Whether you are hunting alone or with friends or family, taking the correct precautions will help you stay focused on your goal instead of being distracted by other things.
According to the College of Natural Resources news, 11.5 million people in the United States, or 4% of the national population, actually hunt. In this article, we’ve compiled some tips to ensure you are as safe as possible while hunting.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Awareness of your surroundings is the most important tip to remember while on a hunting trip. You need to know where you are so that you can find your way back if anything goes wrong, like getting lost or injured. If it’s foggy or snowing out, then be sure to stay within sight of other people so that if one person gets lost, everyone else knows where they’re going as well.
Another way being aware of your surroundings can help is by keeping an eye out for wild animals which may attack you. Be prepared with bear spray, and don’t forget that some snakes are more poisonous than others. Also, ensure there aren’t any toxic plants before sitting on a log.
Finally, knowing what time it is will help us track how long it takes before we need another snack break from hunting deer because our stomachs are grumbling too loudly for us not to hear them anymore.
Wear Proper Clothing
Clothing is a significant safety concern when it comes to hunting. You need to dress appropriately for the weather, so if you’re going hunting in a place where it gets cold, wear warm clothes and make sure that your hat and gloves are waterproof. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, wear long sleeves and pants instead of shorts and t-shirts.
The clothing you choose should also be loose enough to allow movement without restriction. Tight-fitting clothes can get caught on branches or other objects in the wilderness. Ensure your coat has no extra material hanging down that could also get caught.
Also, ensure that none of your clothing restricts senses like hearing or sight. For example, wearing ear muffs isn’t ideal during deer hunting because they block out all sounds around them, including those made by nearby animals.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do on a hunting trip. Drinking water before you’re thirsty is crucial, and carrying a portable bottle is essential. Drink small amounts often so your body gets used to being well-hydrated throughout the day, even when your activity level decreases.
Likely, there will be many times when you’ll want to drink sports drinks or energy drinks instead of plain water. While these flavored options are okay for you, remember that it’s still important to stay hydrated on this trip, even if it means sipping from your water bottle every few minutes.
Use Quality Hunting Gear
You want to ensure your safety and the health of your equipment. When you’re out in the wilderness, you don’t want to worry about whether or not any piece of gear will fail at a critical moment. The best way to avoid this is by using good-quality hunting gear that you can check out here.
All sorts of things can happen when you’re out in the wild, like wet weather, rugged terrain, and more, which can stress your gear. It would help if you had the right equipment for whatever situation arises so that nothing gets damaged by wear or tear.
Refrain from skimping on quality if it means saving money. Buy cheap tools and clothes at your own risk. If something breaks down while hunting in another country away from home where replacement parts aren’t available, it could be costly if something goes wrong.
Stay on the Trail
When you’re out and about in the wilderness, it can be easy to lose your way. If this happens, stay put until someone comes looking for you, or at least make sure someone knows where you are. Also, when hiking along trails, stick with them and stay within areas where no paths exist.
If you get lost, try to stay calm and retrace your steps to where you joined the trail or at least a well-used area of it. If that doesn’t work, try following streams downhill or back toward civilization, these will usually lead somewhere more familiar than being lost in the thick bush.
According to the 2022 Special Report on Hunting and Shooting Sports, 49% of hunters went on their first hunt before 18. If you are hunting for the first time, it’s best to stick to the trail to avoid getting lost.
Leave a Trip Plan with Someone You Know
Leaving a trip plan with someone you trust is an easy way to stay safe on your hunting trip. Tell the person where you are going and when they can expect to hear from you again. They should have your phone number, so they can reach out if there is any trouble. It will also inform them that it’s okay to notify law enforcement if they have not heard from you within two weeks of your expected return date.
You may be tempted to leave this information with a friend or family member who lives nearby but remember their responsibilities at home or work. They may need to check their messages more regularly for help in an emergency.
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hunter Education Program, 2021 was the safest year for hunters, with only nine hunting accidents. But you can always be more careful by leaving a trip plan with someone you trust.
Conclusion
It’s natural to be excited about your upcoming hunting trip, but safety should always be your top priority. It’s essential to ensure you are prepared for any situation or emergency during your expedition. By following the above tips, you can be sure that everyone involved in the hunting expedition will have an enjoyable and safe time outdoors.
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