• Deer hunters can protect themselves and others by following safety tips.deer image by david purday from Fotolia.com
  
  Deer hunting is a popular recreational activity that many participate in during seasonal periods. To succeed, deer hunters must learn to spot and track animals while remaining patient, calm, and quiet. Deer hunters must also know how to properly handle, maintain, and shoot their weapons so that no one gets hurt. To ensure proper safety, hunters should utilize tips on proper hunting.
  
  

Firearm Safety

• Hunters should know how to properly use their guns. In addition to being familiar with the weapon, hunters should regularly clean their guns and make sure there are no broken parts or obstructions in the barrel. Do not fire at any target unless absolutely sure that there are no other people near or behind the deer. Bullets can travel for long distances and could potentially strike another hunter if a shot misses. Never point the gun at fellow hunters under any circumstances, and do not place a finger on the trigger unless it is time to fire a shot at a deer. Triggers can be sensitive and fire accidental shots.
  
  

Weather

• Aside from gun safety, hunters should be aware of the dangers presented by weather. Pack plenty of clothes and wear well-insulated garments in colder months. Hunters should forego or reschedule their trips if weather looks particularly bad. It is not safe to hunt during heavy rain or storms of any kind. The metal on guns also serves as a conductor for lightning.
  
  

Follow Rules

• To avoid any tickets or violations, take all necessary hunting courses before giving the sport a try. These courses are also helpful in teaching prospective hunters different safety techniques. Also make sure to get any and all licenses needed to go deer hunting. If land appears to be private, ask permission before hunting on it. Hunting on private land is illegal, and some land owners may attempt to fire shots at intruders.
  
  

Food

• Make sure to bring enough food and water to provide sustenance on a hunting trip. Some hunting trips are lengthy, and it is better to pack too much food than to wind up in a situation where you don't have enough food to get through the trip.