| Anyone who wanders out into the wilderness is facing a challenge because wildlife does not behave in predictable ways. A hunter can be in danger from wild animals or even by muggers, robbers, kidnappers and even a serial killer. So one of the most important things about hunting is knowing where you are going. You need to have the right equipment like a compass, a GPS device, an updated map and binoculars. A first aid kit is also a must.
Getting caught in harsh weather is tough, especially if you are not prepared. In chilly states like Alaska, where snow covers most of the hunting terrain you need to wear suitable warm clothes and have snowshoes ready for easy mobility. Otherwise, it’s easy to succumb to hypothermia. Even in a forest, heavy rains can get to you and make it unsafe to move on.
It helps to go hunting with a buddy but then it’s wise for both to stick together. Accidents involving hunting partners are not unheard of. Sometimes, people get distracted by sounds, think it’s an animal and shoot. Turns out you’ve hit the guy who accompanied you. Always remember that when you have a gun, you can’t fool around with it, even if you think it’s unloaded. Any error can cost a life.
Some hunters behave carelessly once they are in the wild. They consume alcohol or just don’t care about their surroundings. This behavior has led to many horses, cows, dogs, cats and even hikers being injured or killed. This was quite common in the old days. In 1988, 177 people died and 1,719 were injured by hunters while walking through the woods or on their own property. Even though rifles now come with scopes that help to clearly pick out the target, caution must not be thrown into the winds.
Here are some tips to make hunting safer for yourself as well as others:
- Don’t trespass – Always pay heed to anti hunting laws. If you don’t you may become the hunted.
- Avoid eating wild berries or fruits that are unfamiliar- Some wild fruit contain poison and by the time you make it out of the forest, considerable damage may be done.
- Be alert of the terrain – Some hunters set off after their prey in hot pursuit that they fail to see where they are going. Taking eyes off the ground can get you into a lot of trouble. There are pits, caves and quicksand. Save the adrenaline rush for the safety of your backyard or you’ll have a broken leg to pay for it.
- Avoid night hunting- In many states, it’s illegal to hunt in the night. Not being able to see, you will likely hurt one of your partners or even yourself.
- Limit fires – If you must have a campfire, put it out completely before moving on. Never leave it blazing while you sleep. Don’t toss cigarette butts away when there is a good chance they will light up and set the forest afire.
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