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Police remind hunters to hunt safely

Hunter and firearm safety is everyone's responsibility
TimminsToday Staff
150917_hunting
Hunters will be hitting the bush. Exercise caution, say the OPP. (File)

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

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KAPUSKASING - The James Bay Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind hunters to be safe during this year's hunting season.

Please keep the following safety tips in mind.

Hunting safety rules:

  • All hunters must wear solid hunter orange clothing (a minimum of 400 square inches or 2,580 square centimetres above the waist) and a hunter orange head cover during gun seasons for deer, moose and elk. Outside the gun seasons for deer, moose and elk these requirements also apply to bear hunters who are not hunting from a tree stand.
  • Handle firearms with care and attention at all times. 
  • Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what lies beyond it. 
  • It is illegal to shoot from a vehicle or carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle.
  • It is illegal to discharge a firearm from or across the travelled portion of a right of way for public vehicular traffic. In many parts of Ontario it is also illegal to have a loaded firearm, or discharge a firearm, in any part of the right of way.
  • Never drink alcohol and hunt.
  • If you hunt from a tree stand always wear a safety harness and use a rope to raise and lower your firearm.

General safety:

  • Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will be returning.
  • Know the weather conditions in your hunting area and dress accordingly.                       
  • In an emergency, stay calm and stay put.
  • Avoid hypothermia. Know how to treat it if it strikes.
  • Keep rested, hydrated and well nourished.
  • Carry a survival kit and a small first aid kit with you at all times.
  • Know how to build a fire in all weather conditions and carry the supplies to start one.
  • Carry a map and compass or GPS unit and know how to use them.

Hunter and firearm safety is everyone's responsibility.

Report any illegal or unsafe hunting activity; call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.tipsubmit.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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