Think safety first this upland bird season

With Nebraska’s pheasant, quail and partridge seasons quickly approaching, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds upland hunters to be safe in the field.

Game and Parks offers the following safety tips for upland bird hunters going afield this fall:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded and never assume it isn’t.
• Always point the muzzle of your shotgun in a safe direction, away from people, structures, vehicles, roadways and anydirection that could cause injury or damage.
• Be sure to identify your target, what’s beyond it, and what’s in front of it.
• Remember your safe zones of fire and don’t swing your muzzle on game outside of your zone.
• Keep your finger off the trigger and safety until you are ready to fire.
• Plan your hunt and hunt your plan; put a game plan together with your group before your hunt so everyone knows where each other is during your hunt.
• Never cross a fence, ditch, waterway or other obstacles with a loaded shotgun. Be sure to unload your shotgun, action open, and safety on before handing it to someone else.
• Be sure you, your group and dogs are wearing hunter orange on your head, chest and back. Hunter orange has reduced hunting incidents by 80% since the 1970s and helps you and other hunters identify unsafe shooting scenarios in the field.

“Upland bird hunting is an annual tradition enjoyed by Nebraskans for decades, but every hunter should remember safety comes first,” said Kyle Gaston, Nebraska hunter education coordinator. “Safe hunting is no accident.”

The youth season is Oct. 24-25, and the general season is Oct. 31-Jan. 31.

Hunters ages 12-29 are reminded that they must carry proof of successful completion of a hunter education course while hunting. Proof can be in the form of a valid permit containing the hunter’s hunter education number, or a hunter education card or certificate issued by another state.

Those ages 12-29 who have not completed a hunter education course may find a course at HuntSafeNebraska.org or purchase a $5 Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate that provides novice hunters an opportunity to hunt while accompanied by an experienced hunter before completing a hunter education course.

For more information on hunter education requirements and exemptions, visit HuntSafeNebraska.org.

To learn more about hunting in Nebraska, or to purchase a permit, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov.