With hunting season underway, police are issuing a reminder that safety should be a priority for all hunters.
"Safety is a priority when hunting. Be sure you're familiar with the safety rules before venturing out to enjoy this outdoor activity," said South Porcupine OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Rene Paille in a news release.
OPP has shared safety rules for hunting:
- All hunters must wear solid hunter orange clothing (minimum 400 square inches above the waist) and a hunter orange head cover during gun seasons for deer, moose, and elk. Outside the gun season 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.
- 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 unloaded firearm.
For general safety, police recommend telling someone where you'll be hunting and when you should be back. They also suggest knowing the weather conditions and dressing accordingly.
Other tips are:
- 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.
