Lt. Renee Thok .Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hunter education administrator

PK Photography/DNR photo

If you’ve lived in this state for any amount of time, you’re already aware of what a big deal Wisconsin’s deer season is.

Perhaps the only thing I hear more about from people in Wisconsin during the fall months is predictions on the Packers. Though both are rooted in our state’s history, you can only directly help the outcome of safe hunting.

As a warden, the fall hunting season is one of my favorite times of year, too, and getting to be a part of it was one of the things that drew me to this profession. At the same time, it’s also one of the seasons we worry about the most.

Overall, deer hunting in Wisconsin is a safe and rewarding activity enjoyed by people across our state. Further, the sport is only getting safer, thanks to our state’s mandatory hunter education program, the hard work of dedicated volunteer instructors, regulatory changes and media outreach efforts.

With that said, even one hunting incident is too many. These incidents do still happen, and that means we have more work to do.

Thankfully, hunting incidents are preventable, and that begins with you.

At the end of the day, safe hunting happens due to safe hunters and safe hunters start with hunter education. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.

While afield, help ensure the safety of yourself, your party and the public by knowing and practicing the four primary rules of firearm safety, otherwise known as the TAB-K formula:

• Treat every firearm as if it was loaded
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target, what is before and beyond it
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot

Be visible

Hunters are also reminded of the blaze orange or fluorescent pink requirement that applies during any open statewide firearm season, including the nine-day gun deer season, muzzleloader, Holiday Hunts and any other season where firearms may be used.

You must be wearing at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink from the waist up. Any hats or hoodies worn must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink.

Even if you aren’t hunting, the DNR still encourages the non-hunting public and their pets to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink while enjoying the outdoors during the gun deer season. If you plan to be on either public land that allows hunting or private land that potentially could have hunters on a neighboring property, please consider wearing a high visibility color. Although this is not required, it’s always better to play it safe.

Always be prepared

Although rare, hunting incidents can happen, even to experienced hunters. Should you ever find yourself involved in a hunting incident, remember that state law requires any person who injures or kills another person while hunting, fishing or trapping to do the following:

• Render aid — provide basic first aid, call 911 (if necessary) and assist the person out of the woods.
• Exchange information — give/get name and address of the parties involved.
• Obtain immediate medical or hospital care.
• Report the accident without delay to law enforcement officials.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions — I’m always happy to help.