Tips to Keep You Safe While Hunting

By: Elizabeth Rhinehart

The woods are about to get a lot more crowded because hunting season is back in full swing in Alabama. October 15th marked the opening day for the 2015-2016 bow season and gun season is expected to start November 17th.

Even though hunting is a sport, there are many rules and regulations a hunter must consider in order to guarantee the safety of himself and other hunters.

Sport hunter Stone Pritchett has been hunting for almost 14 years and during those years, he has found ways to ensure his safety in the woods. 

Stone Shooting His Bow

"With firearms make sure the gun is unloaded at all times up until you’re in the tree stand or shooting house," says Pritchett. "Make sure the gun is unloaded when you’re leaving the stand or the shooting house."

Firearms and bows aren't the only dangerous aspects of hunting...climbing up a tree stand and shooting from the stand is also a risky choice.

"It’s easy to fall out of the stand, to slip, and if you have that safety harness on there it’ll catch you and keep you from falling 15, 20, 30 feet," says Pritchett. 

Stone Securing Himself to Tree

In addition to being aware of your own safety, a hunter must know if he has peers out in the woods with him. This can be solved by communicating and wearing orange clothing or hats.

Safety is clearly a main concern when hunting, but bringing personal necessities is a must too. Sport hunter David Pritchett suggests bringing handkerchiefs, snacks and layers of clothing when heading out to the woods for the day.

Layers of Clothing

"I always like to wear plenty of warm clothes and I always bring plenty of warm socks. If your feet ever get cold, you’re miserable," says David Pritchett. 

For more information on hunting safety click here.