Whether you’re a new hunter or a seasoned hunter, it pays to know 3 common hunting safety mishaps.
Sponsored by the NSSF and Project ChildSafe
The first safety mishap as a new hunter would be not being super comfortable with the firearm. Or, as a seasoned hunter, not taking the time to re-familiarize, sight-in and practice shot placement. For some people, this isn’t as much of an issue because they practice and shoot year-round. But, for many hunters, they really only shoot their firearms for the purpose of hunting. Practicing with your firearm will not only help with shot accuracy and placement, but improve your overall comfortability with that firearm.
Another common safety related mistake hunters tend to make is to assume that their hunting partners have the same experience level and knowledge as they do. This is most common when it is their first time hunting with a new person. Yes, all hunters should have taken hunter’s safety; however, if they took the class years ago and are just getting back into hunting, they may have forgotten a few things. It might seem kind of awkward to have a conversation about someone’s hunting background. Then again,it could potentially make or break your hunt from a safety perspective and even your hunting success in general.
The last safety related mishap observed among hunters is this one: some people don’t want to tell anyone where they are hunting. It is understandable that some people don’t want to give away their hard-earned spots they’ve put in the time to scout; however, if you’re hunting alone, please remember to tell at least 1 trusted person where you are, just in case something bad were to happen.
Overall, if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll hopefully have a safe and successful hunting season.
Find more information at the NSSF’s Let’s Go Hunting here.
Ali Jutenis an outdoor enthusiast, hunter, writer and host of Empower Outdoors Podcast. She previously worked in corporate communication in women's fashion but, has since transitioned to the world of freelance as an outdoor writer and digital media content strategist. Besides her Journalism degree, Ali also has a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and has traveled to a total of 11 different countries. Her background gives her a unique perspective with the hope to inspire other women to participate in all things outdoors. Ali reviews products for us the old-fashioned way. She puts them to the ultimate tests and give us her honest, thorough opinion. View all posts by Ali Juten
I have experience with that last one. My FD assisted CT D.E.E.P. on a hunter’s body recovery a couple of years ago. The guy was reported missing and no one knew where he was until state police pinged his cell phone. When they got into the state forest they first found his vehicle, and then found him about 300-400 yards away. He had been out hunting with a crossbow, and decided to stop and have himself a little party. He OD’d which adds a whole other bad aspect to a tragic hunting trip.
I usually have the locator feature off on my phone for privacy, except when hiking or kayaking. Then it is turned on to help find my location in case something happens better than just the large radius from the closest cell tower.
Happy and safe hunting, everyone!