The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urges all hunters to be safe this fall when hunting at the 18 lakes throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska and the Missouri River.
Whether your hunting season started Labor Day weekend or you are still awaiting your first opportunity to venture out, hunter safety is a must. First, let’s take a moment to think about your favorite hunting spot. This may include a short, 4-minute boat ride across a small cove to a grove of flooded willows or a hike back in to a small opening tucked into the timber that are sure to draw an early morning shooting opportunity. Either way, before you put on your hunting gear here are five safety musts to ensure many return visits to that favorite spot.
Follow firearms safety practices
Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Never point a gun at anything you’re not willing to shoot, ever. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Know your surroundings
Learn the location of the property boundaries, homes, building, trails and other recreation areas where you are hunting. Know where to hunt and know where other people and places are located.
Wear your safety equipment
State laws require specific safety equipment or attire to be worn while hunting. It is also important to remember to wear your life jacket while hunting from a boat or a safety harness while hunting high up in a tree.
Respect other public land users
Public land allows for multiple different uses. Hikers, bikers and wildlife watchers have just as much privilege to use public land as hunters. Respect their use, too.
Non-hunters near hunting areas
Non-hunters and their pets should wear bright, noticeable clothing and make enough noise for adjacent hunters to know your presence. If you want to avoid hunting altogether many public-use areas around the lake are restricted to hunting.
The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wishes you a safe and successful hunting season. For more information about the Kansas City District please visit www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations.aspx or check out the Kansas City District’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/usace.kcd or Twitter www.twitter.com/kc_usace.