Firearm deer hunters should think safety first

As excitement builds toward the November firearm deer season, hunters should remember safety is most important. Make sure to always follow the four primary rules of firearm safety.

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction.
• Be sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what is beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.

“Following these four rules, along with wearing the required hunter orange, helps us reach our goal of zero hunting incidents,” Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Kyle Gaston said.

Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on their head, chest and back during the nine-day November firearm deer season, regardless of hunting with a firearm or archery equipment.

Hunting from a tree stand has become a preferred method for many big game hunters. “Hunting from an elevated stand provides many benefits to hunters, including better view of surroundings, concealment from wildlife, and a safer backstop when shooting at a downward angle,” Gaston said. “However, we always need to put safety first by remembering the ABCD of tree stand safety.”

• Always remove and inspect all your equipment before using.
• Buckle your harness securely.
• Connect your harness before your feet leave the ground.
• Destination – share your stand location with others before each hunt.

Another safety concern for hunters is the risk of wildfire. Recent dry, windy and low humidity conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Drought Monitor, 89% of the state is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions.

Driving vehicles or parking on dry, tall grass is a primary threat. Grass can ignite within seconds of contacting a hot surface, such as a vehicle’s exhaust/catalytic converter systems.

Hunters should take these precautions:

• Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
• Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
• Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
• Make sure no chains are dragging from your vehicle.
• Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle.

The firearm deer season is Nov. 16-24. Hunters should remember permission is required to access private land, whether to hunt or to track wounded deer.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov to learn more about hunter education and to read the 2024 Big Game Guide for deer regulations.

If you witness a game violation, call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at 800-742-7627 or visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wildlife-crime-stoppers.