Take precautions this season, hunting the safe way Published Sept. 7, 2011 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Whether a person's been hunting for years or it's their first time out, hunting is bound to present a new adventure every time. The success of a hunting trip is dependent on who a person hunts with, what the person is hunting, when and where he or she is hunting as well as how he or she prepares for the hunt. Who a person hunts with is an important determinant of how successful the hunt is. A person's experience, habits and general knowledge of wild game are all key factors contributing to a person's ability to hunt well. Normally an experienced hunter will ask a potential partner numerous questions to determine whether they would hunt well together. This is especially important considering that approximately 40 percent of the hunters injured each year are accidentally shot by their hunting partner. Another 35 percent accidentally shoot themselves. Both parties' skill levels and knowledge base are crucial to ensuring a safe hunting trip. The type of wild game being hunted also contributes to the success of a hunting trip. Some of the most commonly hunted game includes deer, elk, bear, duck, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit, grouse, fox and raccoon. Skunk, boar, woodchuck, coyote, weasel and porcupine are also commonly hunted. The hunting seasons do overlap. This tends to increase the chances of a serious hunting accident. Some of the most serious accidents typically occur during deer season. This is mainly because of the greater shooting distance and higher destructive power associated with the high velocity rifles used. The time in which a person hunts is another factor to consider while hunting. One may want to consider scheduling the hunt when the activity level of the game is low, such as deer and bear. Since the total number of hunters is highest when big game season first opens up, scheduling the hunt in the middle or last part of the hunting season will reduce the risk of an accident occurring. Where a person hunts is an extremely important factor to consider. The location a hunter chooses could be a matter of life and death. A hunter could just jump in a vehicle and drive for hours to hunt in a random area they have never been to before. However, this type of hunting practice is likely to end badly. A hunter should always do some pre-hunt scouting to visually check the planned hunting areas. Scouting involves checking the land to ensure that it is open to hunting. It also involves the checking for trails and ponds, checking for game and also determining the usability of cellular phones in the area. If a cellular phone doesn't have a strong signal in the hunting area, locating an occupied area where telephones or help may be available should be part of the planning phase. Talking with local officials and residents is another good way to prepare for a hunt. How a person hunts will also greatly determine the success of a trip. Just as hunting seasons overlap, weapons used may also have some overlap. Muzzleloaders, assorted firearms and the bow and arrow (archery) may be used as long as one abides by the rules and guidelines set by each state. Each state usually publishes hunting regulations and pamphlets with special game permits. These are a must read for all hunters. Cellular phones and two-way radios allow hunters to stay in contact with each other. These devices are also important to hunters in the event of an emergency. A backpack with food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, blankets and tools should accompany a hunter during a trip. Mirrors and flares are other key items to take with to use as signaling devices. These should be taken with no matter what the location is. Most states also ask or require hunters to wear orange clothing. This helps other hunters to be absolutely positive of their target. Always consider what is behind the targeted game to ensure the projectile doesn't glide through buildings, people or in the direction of a road. One of the oldest safety messages is to remain in control of the firearm's muzzle. Firearms should be properly secured and stored on base. This can be accomplished through the security forces armory. Always be sure to communicate planned courses of action for any potential situations, wear hunter orange clothing, pick hunting buddies with care, and keep the gun barrel pointed in the right direction! For a list of the North Dakota hunting season dates, please visit http://gf.nd.gov/about/season-dates.html and remember to be safe this season.