Hunting is a dangerous sport. This is not something you should concern yourself with on your next hunting trip-it is the risks inherent to the sport that make it so exciting and enjoyable. What does need to be kept in mind, however, is that just because you can handle yourself and your weapon well enough that no harm will come to you doesn’t mean you should go off unprepared. You need to be sure that you have your bases covered and that includes being as safe as possible on the trip. Here are 8 things you should do before embarking on your next hunting trip!
1) Prepare yourself for emergencies!
Hunters can spend several days immobile if they break a leg or worse, but this shouldn’t be anything to worry about if you are prepared. Having at least one device that can work as an emergency beacon is a must on any trip longer than a day or two. A satellite-linked personal locator beacon (PLB) is the best option for both durability and effectiveness of rescue. Additionally, having knowledge of first aid means being able to treat minor injuries which would otherwise become major, so study up on your first-aid skills until you are confident! You never know when you will need them!
2) Know the area!
Always read over maps before embarking on a trip. It is important that you have an idea of where you are going and what areas are near. Additionally, being aware of region-specific rules and regulations is crucial. If you don’t do this, you may find yourself in trouble with the law even if your intentions are pure!
3) Plan ahead for emergencies!
Always bring water and food on any expedition longer than a day so that you can avoid physical stress or illness which can lead to major problems. If you are hunting, bringing extra food is also advisable so that you don’t have to rely on additional trips for supplies which can be tiring or frustrating. More than that, knowing the weather is necessary to determine how much food and water to bring or whether you might need to pack any gear for protection. Preparation means having it all ready before you leave, so make sure you are prepared before leaving the house! If it helps, make sure you’re packed the night before you leave and load the car then so that you can wake up with everything packed and check that you have everything before you leave.
4) Never go alone!
Hunting may be a solitary sport, but safety in numbers is always better than going it alone. This will improve your chances of being found should you become injured and will also help should an emergency situation arise while hunting, such as a bear attack. Having others with you will also ensure that you are not stranded in unfamiliar territory. Plus, great company will make the trip more enjoyable!
5) Make sure to wear proper clothing!
Don’t forget to pack the right clothes for your expedition before leaving, especially if it is cold or wet outside. It isn’t wise to go out without protection in these cases because even a small injury can become a major problem if you don’t have the right clothes. Make sure to check the weather in advance and pack accordingly. It’s always best to layer your clothing so you can remove layers if it gets too hot or put them back on if it becomes cold.
6) Bring your cell phone!
Even if you are going on a trip where there is no reception, but you should be prepared for emergencies by bringing your cell phone. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! Having your cell phone on you at all times is the easiest way to ensure that there will be contact with society in case of an emergency.
7) Don’t forget to bring your gear!
If you are hunting, bringing the right equipment is crucial. Not only do you need to have the know-how about how to use your weapon safely and accurately, but you also need to have all of the necessary tools at hand so that if something goes wrong or an animal escapes, you can help ensure the safety of others or your prey. This includes proper storage equipment for game! Having the right gear will also protect you from the environment, so don’t leave anything at home. Make sure to bring a knife, matches, a flashlight, rope and fire starter as well as other things that may be useful in case of an emergency. Need some new gear? Check out our website for some awesome deals on firearm accessories.
8) Always follow the rules!
If you are hunting in an area which requires permits or limits on how many animals can be killed, then always obey these laws. Not only will this ensure that the wildlife remains unthreatened, but it also keeps you safe because it is illegal to hunt in unlicensed areas. If you do, and you are caught, than not only will your hunting trip be cut short but there is a good chance that you will be heavily fined as well!
No matter how skilled or experienced a hunter may be, safety needs to always come first. It’s just as important for novices to follow these instructions as it is for veteran hunters because even if you are an expert, you could still accidentally make a mistake which could cause serious injury or even death. The best thing to do is be prepared for anything that might happen so that the trip will always be as safe as possible.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready for your next hunting trip? Be sure that you have read and understood all of these safety precautions! Hunting can be a fun and exciting way to spend time outdoors, but it also comes with inherent risks which can easily be mitigated by being prepared. Keeping these tips in mind means that you will have nothing to worry about on your trip! Looking for new accessories for your firearm? Shop our online store today!
