West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Hunting Safety

Be safe while bagging your buck.

November 18, 2009
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

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The deer are everywhere this year, and because there's not a lot of food out there for them, they'll be moving. This shapes up to be an exciting buck season, but before you get too excited, you need to make sure you are safe in the woods.

Jerry Payne, a conservation officer with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, says safety is priority number one.
"The number one thing is to always be safe. Whether you're handling a firearm, in a tree stand, that's where most of the incidents occur where somebody gets hit-pulling a fire arm up out of a tree stand. You need to be sure you know how a tree stand works if you're using a climber, and you need to be sure how the gun works if you're using a new rifle."

That's good advice, you don't want to get hurt before you even have a chance to set up and start hunting. Here's something else you need to keep in mind.

"In WV, we have a state law that says you are required to wear blaze orange. Also, that's anytime there is a deer firearm season, whether it's muzzle loader, rifle season, anytime there's a deer season, if you're hunting deer or not, you're required to wear blaze orange." says Payne.

You also need to make sure you know the rules and regulations, things can change a little from year to year and it's hunters responsibility to know limits and laws. But one thing's for sure, deer hunting is fun and it's a great way to spend some time with your kids.

Payne says there are many opportunities for youngsters to get involved.
"In WV, we have the deer firearm season for bucks and we have concurrent antlerless season going on at the same time. It's a good time if your children have the proper license to get them out there and get them involved. We do have another youth season at the end of December to get out there and hunt with them."

Remember, check out your gear, wear your blaze orange, and know this years rules and regulations. Also, The DNR would also like to remind hunters that this Sunday is the last day to buy your additional buck stamp. Be safe and I'll see you at the check station.