Deer hunting season is upon us. Make it the best hunt yet by following these tips to keep you safe, and support those around you!
- Know your firearm and how it functions. Make sure firearms are sighted in and functioning before opening day.
- Know your target and what is beyond it. Make sure you know your hunting area and the location of anyone around you. Remember, unless you have permission, do not hunt with a firearm within 450 feet of an occupied structure.
- Properly tag your deer. Make sure kill tags are filled out completely with the month and date the deer was taken, gender of the deer, and number of points of antlers.
- Respect landowners rights. If you see a posted trespassing sign or property boundary markers, please respect them. Contact the property owner before crossing the boundaries even if it’s while tracking a deer.
- Share public land. Before opening day make sure you scout and research the public area you plan on hunting to ensure your familiarity and ability to adjust to those around you.
- Leave the land better than you found it. Remember to bring whatever you brought into the woods back out with you!
- Wear hunter orange. It is required by law to wear hunter orange to help keep you safe and inform those around you. Make sure it can be visible from all directions.
- Know and follow baiting regulations. In Michigan’s lower peninsula and some counties in Wisconsin it is illegal to bait deer, but in certain areas in Michigan’s upper peninsula it is legal up to a certain amount.
- Hunt in-season, during legal hours. Michigan’s firearm deer season opens up November 15th and Wisconsin’s season opens up on November 18th. Season hours are 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
- Be respectful to other hunters. It is against the law to interfere with lawful hunting. Be respectful to those who enjoy the sport!
For more safety tips and information, please visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/safety or https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/deer
To view the article in the online 2023 Fall Partners Magazine, click here.
