EAU CLAIRE - Firearm hunting incidents in 2011 followed the downward trend and came in below the 10-year average of 32 incidents annually.
More can be prevented by following the following four basic principles of firearm safety - also known as TABK:
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
• Be certain of your target and what is beyond it
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot
Tree stands and harnesses, and the popular group hunting method involving "deer drives," also pose challenges unless done with safety in mind.
Conservation Warden Jon King, who heads the Hunter Education Program, suggests each deer drive be planned in advance, with safety the top priority.
"Everyone involved in the drive should know and understand the plan - and follow the plan. Always be sure of your target and beyond," he said.
King's tree stand tips to follow include:
• Always use a full-body harness and tether yourself to the tree
• Always unload your firearm while climbing into or out of the stand.
• Use a rope or line to raise and lower your unloaded firearm
• During the ascent or descent: maintain three points of contact - two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
King's deer drive tips are:
• Review the four firearm safety principles.
• Reconfirm you have positively identified your target.
• Reconfirm you have a safe backstop for your bullet.
• Review and stick to your hunting plan. Make sure all in the hunting party follow it.
More can be prevented by following the following four basic principles of firearm safety - also known as TABK:
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
• Be certain of your target and what is beyond it
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot
Tree stands and harnesses, and the popular group hunting method involving "deer drives," also pose challenges unless done with safety in mind.
Conservation Warden Jon King, who heads the Hunter Education Program, suggests each deer drive be planned in advance, with safety the top priority.
"Everyone involved in the drive should know and understand the plan - and follow the plan. Always be sure of your target and beyond," he said.
King's tree stand tips to follow include:
• Always use a full-body harness and tether yourself to the tree
• Always unload your firearm while climbing into or out of the stand.
• Use a rope or line to raise and lower your unloaded firearm
• During the ascent or descent: maintain three points of contact - two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
King's deer drive tips are:
• Review the four firearm safety principles.
• Reconfirm you have positively identified your target.
• Reconfirm you have a safe backstop for your bullet.
• Review and stick to your hunting plan. Make sure all in the hunting party follow it.
