Hunting continues to be one of the more popular activities around the world. In fact, as of 2021, there were approximately 15.2 million hunting license owners in the U.S. alone. It is a sport that many people enjoy, but if you don’t properly prepare and take the sport seriously, then it can become dangerous quickly.
Before you go on your next hunting trip, you must plan accordingly with safety in mind. You’ll need to bring the right clothing and materials, proactively check out your potential hunting spot, and have a plan of action if you want to keep yourself and the others around you safe. Let’s talk about proper protections for your next expedition.
Initial Preparations
Before you start packing your bags, you will need to stop to do some research about your hunting spot and the precautions you’ll need to stay safe. It is a good idea to check the boundaries of the area so you know where you can travel and which spots are off-limits. It is important to not only respect someone else’s property but to ensure that you don’t injure yourself or hurt an animal that is not fair game.
You should also be smart about how you plan to travel to the hunting grounds in the first place. Many spots are far away and located in secluded and forested areas, so you’ll want to be prepared in the case of a car breakdown. Be proactive by getting your vehicle maintenance done ahead of time, learning who to call in the case of an emergency, and keeping the proper supplies in your trunk, including a first aid kit, cell phone charger, and extra water.
It may also be a good idea to go out ahead of time and ensure that your tree stand is in safe and working order. Check out the instructions and warnings from the manufacturer, so you know that the stand is secured properly to the tree. It is also a good idea to wear a safety harness so you are secure when climbing down to the ground. Finally, remember to never travel up a tree unless your gun is secure and the safety is on.
What to Bring
Now that you know that the hunting grounds are in good shape, you’ll want to make a list, so you don’t forget to bring the right equipment. The list should include a portable medical kit, blankets to keep warm, an extra flashlight, and foot warmers so you can be comfortable after days in your tree stand. Also, remember firearm safety by maintaining your gun or bow and wearing ear protection if necessary.
You also need to be smart about the clothing that you pack. Bring plenty of pairs of socks so you can double-up on those especially cold days. You also need to protect yourself against ticks and other pests. Regardless of the weather, it is a good idea to wear pants and long-sleeved shirts so ticks cannot make contact with your skin. Also, remember to check periodically for tick bites, and if you are bitten, make sure that you remove the tick completely and then clean the area.
You also need to take care of yourself physically during this trip, so remember to bring extra water bottles so you can have fluids in your stand at all times. Also, you’ll want to bring some energy bars so you give yourself and your body sustenance and a boost during long days.
Protecting Others
Remember that hunters often have camaraderie with one another, especially if hunting together on the same property, so make sure to prepare accordingly so you keep yourself safe and anyone else that happens to be around. When hunting in the woods, make sure to wear bright orange clothing and use orange markers to dictate your hunting location.
It is also important to know the effective range of your gun and to keep the safety engaged unless you intend to use it. If you see any movement in the woods and you even have a feeling that you see the color orange, don’t shoot so you don’t injure a fellow hunter. In fact, you should always assume that any movement you see in the woods is another hunter until you have properly identified the source.
As you can see, there is a lot to keep in check when it comes to hunting, but if you take all of the proper precautions, then you can have confidence that you and your fellow hunters will stay safe. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your trip.
