Wildlife Resources Commission to Hunters: Be Safe on Your Holiday Hunt

  • 6 December 2016
  • Number of views: 7819
Wildlife Resources Commission to Hunters: Be Safe on Your Holiday Hunt
The holidays are a great time to plan a hunting trip. Just remember to practice basic safety guidelines as you head out to the field.

RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2016) — For hunters, opening presents and sharing family dinners are just one part of the holidays. As North Carolinians head outdoors for their annual holiday hunt, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home From The Hunt™ campaign reminds hunters to follow basic hunting safety guidelines.

“Christmas is a great time for friends and family to plan hunting trips together,” said Carissa Shelton, the Commission’s western outreach manager. “It’s important to remember, particularly during the excitement of the holidays, to practice safety in the field.”

Shelton advised:

  • Take time to review hunter education training and equipment instructions.
  • Familiarize yourself with all applicable regulations before going afield.
  • Repair or replace faulty equipment, especially tree stands, before use. 

“Tree stand injuries can almost always be avoided,” said Shelton. “We recommend that all hunters wear a full-body safety harness and maintain three points of contact while climbing.”

When hunting with a firearm, Shelton advised:

  • Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  • Treat your firearm as if it’s loaded at all times.
  • Be certain of your target and what is beyond.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Hunters must wear blaze orange that is visible from all sides when hunting bear, feral hogs, deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant or quail with a firearm. Anyone hunting deer during a deer firearms season, regardless of whether a firearm or archery equipment is used, must wear hunter orange visible from all sides every day of the week, including on Sundays. 

Media Contact:

Ryan Kennemur
919-707-0186
ryan.kennemur@ncwildlife.org

Photographer:

Credit - NCWRC

Press Media:

Download a high res photo here.

Print