With tomorrow being opening day for hunting, several area law enforcement agencies are reminding their communities how to stay safe while having fun in the great outdoors.
For instance, be sure to tell someone where you’re hunting and when you’ll be back, and carry a communication device that can receive service in remote areas. Hunting or not hunting, if you’re wandering through the woods near or in hunting areas, St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King advises everyone to wear as much hunter’s orange as possible on the outermost layer of your clothes and visible from all directions.
In terms of equipment, hunters are advised to wear ear and eye protection while hunting, and to always keep their gun maintained and treat it as if it’s always loaded. Sheriff King also advises to not carry your loaded gun when climbing up or down to hunting platforms, as falling from trees is becoming more and more common. Another way to cut down on falling out of trees while hunting– do not hunt while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Finally, always get permission from property owners before hunting on their land, and obey all “No Trespassing” signs.
