Field safety is paramount for any hunting trip. Following these guidelines helps ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone involved.

Before You Go

Preparation is key to a safe hunting trip.

• Review Your Gear: Before heading out, inspect all equipment, especially firearms and archery gear, to ensure everything is in proper working order.
• Tell Someone Your Plan: Always inform a reliable person of your exact hunting location, expected return time, and who you are hunting with.
• Check the Weather: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Carry appropriate clothing and gear for all expected conditions.
• First Aid Kit: Always carry a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use it.
• Hunting License: Ensure your license and tags are up to date and with you.

Firearm Safety Rules

The universal rules of firearm safety must be strictly followed at all times.

1. Treat Every Firearm as if it is Loaded: Never assume a firearm is unloaded. Check the chamber and magazine immediately upon handling.
2. Always Control the Muzzle: Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. A "safe direction" is one where an accidental discharge will not cause injury or property damage.
3. Be Sure of Your Target and What is Beyond It: Positively identify your target and be aware of the area surrounding it, including the foreground and background, before taking a shot.
4. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot: Rest your finger outside the trigger guard, parallel to the barrel, until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to fire.

In the Field

Maintaining awareness and following safe practices while hunting is essential.

Visibility

Wear hunter orange or other highly visible clothing as required by law and for maximum safety. The purpose is to ensure you are seen by other hunters.

Tree Stands

If using a tree stand, safety precautions are critical.

• Use a Safety Harness: Always wear a full-body safety harness from the moment you leave the ground until you are back down.
• Three Points of Contact: Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet) when climbing.
• Haul Line: Use a haul line to raise and lower your firearm or bow after you are securely seated in the stand. Never climb with a firearm or bow in your hands or strapped to your back.

Navigation and Communication

Know your hunting area and how to communicate in an emergency.

Item	Description	Check Status
Map/GPS	Know the boundaries and terrain of the hunting area.	Complete
Communication Device	Carry a reliable method of communication (cell phone, satellite phone, or radio) and know areas of no service.
Emergency Contacts	Review contacts for immediate family and local game officials.