Monthly Archives: January 2012

Jan 31 2012

Safety reminders for hunters

Reblogged from Iowa Environmental Focus:

Last Friday, two Iowa men sustained gunshot wounds while deer hunting.

A man from Lansing was hit in the back of the head while hunting in Allamakee County, and a man from Muscatine injured his hand when his gun discharged while he was putting it away.

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources offers four rules for firearm safety that should help prevent these types of incidents:

Read more… 47 more words

This is just one more reason why you need to use your safety instinct when hunting.
By Georgette Wood • Posted in Uncategorized
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Jan 29 2012

Hunting Etiquette Equals Happy Hunting

Have you ever walked out to the woods to climb that awesome tree stand of yours on the first hunting day of the year and found someone in it? Or have your tree stand taken before hunting season begins? I know this happens to a lot of us and we have to confront the person and make it an awkward situation all around. I’m here to give you some wonderful tips so you can have that joyful day in the woods. I think people forget how to respect other people’s property and take it for granted that no one is using it.  I have decided to write about “Hunting Etiquette” for your hunting pleasure and mine.

  1. Do take a Hunter’s Safety Course and stay refreshed on the materials. I know people have hunted for years and sometimes forget about the rules, safety and etiquette of hunting.
  2. Always get permission from the land owner to hunt on their property. There may be other hunters hunting it and you don’t want to disturb them or trespass.
  3. If the land is posted or not posted you should make sure you get a hand written permission slip for your safety.
  4. Always try to scout the area where you’re planning to hunt so you know where the best areas are. You also want to look for other hunters stands so you don’t disturb them when entering and exiting the woods on that big day. Don’t destroy the crops while you’re doing this.
  5. If you’re hunting with other hunters make sure you all know exactly where everyone is going to be. You don’t want any hunting accidents.
  6. Make sure you dress in the proper hunting clothes for the climate, and for your safety where orange when required and always while you’re hunting with your rifle or shotgun.
  7. If you’re using a tree stand make sure you get permission from the land owner. They may not want you to be tying into the tree. So let them know exactly what kind of tree stand you will be using. There are several on the market that won’t harm the tree.
  8. If you’re using a tree stand make sure you secure your tree stand properly and always make sure you wear a safety harness when climbing and sitting in a tree stand. There have been many fall accidents from hunters that think they don’t need one. It’s your life play it safe!
  9. If you’re planning on using someone else’s tree stand make sure you ask the owner before you use it. They may be planning on using it. If the land is posted and you get into someone’s tree stand. Then you’re in the wrong. You will be asked to leave, which in return just ruined your day of hunting.
  10. If you’re going to use any accessories that require screwing into a tree get permission from the land owner. For example a Bow Hanger. They make many new styles that strap on to the tree rather than screwing in. You can always consider using one of them.
  11. If you’re planning on using a ground blind ask the land owner if you can use it on their property don’t ever assume that it’s alright.
  12. If you use a blind make sure you put some orange on the top of it, so other hunters know where you are.
  13. When you’re going to shoot, never Point a gun in the direction of any other hunter and know where your bullet is going to go when you’re ready to pull the trigger.
  14. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, you don’t want to accidentally set it off.
  15. Always use binoculars or a spotting scope when looking for game. Never use your rifles scope.
  16. Never shoot through brush if you can’t see exactly what you’re shooting. It could be another hunter walking around.
  17. You should never poach an animal. If caught you could lose your hunting privileges, driver’s license, or pay a fine, and some cases end up in jail. In many states they will confiscate any equipment used in the crime. So you could lose your firearm and even your truck.
  18. You should never hunt from your car. You don’t know who is in the woods hunting.
  19. Observe safety zones. Make sure you keep enough distance away from the road and any buildings.
  20. Never mix alcohol with Hunting.
  21. Always respect the game laws and the land owners while hunting.  You don’t want to ruin it for the rest of us hunters.
  22. Always remember safety first! Use common sense, and be courteous to your fellow hunters and land owners. It makes for a rewarding happy day in the field for everyone.
Jan 23 2012

Women Hunters Are Becoming Very Popular In The Hunting Sports

My first buck with my husband! I’m wearing my Prois Hunting Clothes. (Photo taken by Rick Wood)

Women hunters are becoming very popular in the hunting sports of today.   I remember growing up and having to wear my father’s orange coat; because they didn’t make anything at that time for girls. You see in our era of growing up women didn’t hunt or there wasn’t a lot of talk about women hunters. The women were taught to do house chores, become a wife and a mother. You didn’t hear too many stories about ladies hunting.

I shot my first gun when I was around 12 years old. My dad handed me his 300 Savage and I shot that gun. I was all excited to shoot a gun. I couldn’t wait to pull the trigger and hear it go BANG! When I did pull the trigger, the unexpected happened to me.   It knocked me off my feet and I hurt my arm. I was in so much pain and so scared to shoot a gun again. I was so disappointed in the outcome that I could’ve cried.  This almost ruined my love for hunting and shooting.  Later on in my life my husband helped me to become a better shooter, while I also took classes through the N.R.A. National Rifle Association classes from  Women On Target. My husband has been very thrilled to have a new hunting buddy. He keeps telling me that he wishes that I would’ve taken up hunting with him earlier.  He enjoys my companionship and our time together.

When I went to my hunting safety course, I found out something that I didn’t know before. I was informed from our instructor that you have to measure the child’s arm so you can get the right gun for the child. You want the gun to fit the child not a huge gun that they can hurt themselves shooting it. The other thing is you don’t give your son or daughter the biggest caliber gun you own. You give them a proper fit gun and show them the proper way of holding the gun and the safety of its use.   With the managed recoil ammunition they have today it helps to get a younger shooter used to a gun without making it uncomfortable to shoot.

On television you now see a lot of new hunting shows with husband and wives teaming up together.  This is a spectacular change, because it shows them working together as a team. They’re doing something fun as a couple. There are a lot of divorces going on now days, because people want to give up so easily in their relationship.  I recommend couples to go out on an outdoor adventure together; it may help their relationship extremely.  Even if you don’t like to hunt, you could go fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and camping.  It’s definitely a way to get you and your spouse to work together and bond without all the hustle and bustle of today.  It’s a way to take on the world and breathe in the fresh air and let out all the frustration that has been bothering you two.  I find that my husband and I get along so much better when we’re outdoors, rather than being cooped up in the house.  I also have men coming up to me and say WOW! You hunt! I wish my wife would go hunting with me  I would really enjoy that!   I love hearing it from these guys. They want to take their wife hunting with them.  You see when more women hunt it becomes a family activity, and it will get more families involved with hunting and conservation. Then we can conserve our land and our natural resources.

My advice to you women if your husband wants to take you hunting with him; Then go!, don’t pass up the opportunity. You don’t have to take a gun, but sit in the blind with him.  Enjoy the time you have together. Listen to what he says.  You won’t regret it that’s for sure!  My husband and I started hunting together four years ago and during that time. I learned to shoot, I have my own gun and bow, and I wear women’s hunting clothes made by Prois.  There is so much gear on the market for women that the hunting industry is now seeing how popular it is and giving us more choices.  I enjoy packing up our hunting gear and getting ready to go out on our hunting excursions together.

To me it isn’t about killing an animal; it’s about getting close and personal with the wildlife in action, and bonding with my spouse.  If that deer came in my view I will shoot it, because I know it’s going to put food on my table to feed my family.  Since I have been hunting with my husband, I have shot two deer and one antelope.  I haven’t gotten anything with my bow yet, but I’m hoping this year will be the year for it. If not, well than better luck next time! You see I don’t get disappointed if I don’t get an animal down.  I do get excited about being with my husband and showing him how much I care to be in the woods with him watching wildlife.