Deer Hunting Safety

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Deer season is an opportunity for hunters to enjoy nature but carelessness can quickly lead to tragedy.    

Muskingum County Ohio Division of Wildlife Officer Jeff Berry talked about deer hunting safety and shared some common sense tips that hunters should keep in mind.

“Just make sure you have blaze orange or camo blaze orange. That’s a requirement. You can’t have anything other,” Berry said. “Well after you harvest the deer, you want to just make sure, make sure you know it’s actually deceased. And usually you can tell by its eyes. You know you can look at it, if you touch its eye you know with a stick or the end of your barrel, just touch its eye it will blink.”

Berry said to be aware of sharp objects while field dressing and make sure it’s quickly checked in and tagged. He also noted that hunters experience a variety of settings from hiking on public lands to utilizing tree stands and blinds on private properties.

“You should be out there checking your tree stand,” Berry said. “Just make sure all your harnesses, you know everything’s in order, your safety belt. Just general stuff. Make sure you got your rope and everything’s ready to roll.”

Deer hunting involves inherent risks that can often be avoided by using common sense and making responsible decisions.

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