Hunting Safety: Tips from Northland Experts

SUPERIOR, Wis. (Northern News Now) – Turkey, small game and pheasant hunting seasons are now open.

Next month is deer season in the Northland.

Safety in the field while carrying weapons is of the utmost importance. Here are tips from a trio of experts.

Now the bucks are relaxing, but they will move quickly when deer season opens in a few weeks.

The small game season has opened, so the capercaillie are already moving cautiously.

Now is the time for hunters to be cautious when they go into the field, and that starts with visibility.

According to Pat Kukul of Superior Shooters Supply, this includes careful washing to keep the bright orange bright and not boring.

“Has it been washed well and does the bright orange remain? Just a hat and the gloves, you will be surprised. Visibility is extremely important,” Kukul said.

However, turkey hunters don’t want to be visible because these birds can see colors.

Some hunters believe this doesn’t matter and still carry flames.

Those who insist on stealth are encouraged to loudly announce to other hunters that they are entering an area.

“If you’re in the woods and you see another hunter and you’re in full camouflage, say, ‘Hey, I’m here!'” said Peter Krause of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The most important safety rules in hunting are, of course, firearm safety, and 88-year-old Dave Zentner still preaches them and still hunts pheasants.

“You always want to know where your muzzle is pointing. So if you trip and something happens that triggers the gun, it will fire harmlessly, not into a friend.”

Zentner says gun safety classes are offered by organizations such as the Izaak Walton League and the National Wild Turkey Federation, and there are in-person and online options.

Kukul says the Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan DNRs also offer good courses that make a difference in the forest.

“I learned from my brothers who always knew, but now we have all these wonderful safety instructors and it shows really well with young people,” Kukul said.

The Minnesota Firearms Deer’s inaugural event is Saturday, November 9th.

For the UP the start is Friday, November 15th.

Wisconsin’s season begins Saturday, November 23rd.

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