Oh, Deer – Hunting Season is Here!

By Sarah Naron
Messenger Reporter

TEXAS – For hunters in the Lone Star state whose chosen method of deer annihilation is the bow and arrow, hunting season has been in full swing since the end of last month. With the second half of the month of October underway and an autumn chill creeping into the air, those who prefer to hunt with guns are chomping at the bit to don their camo, settle into their stands, and try their hand at bagging the elusive “turdy point buck.”

Before trekking off into the woods, however, it is imperative that hunters arm themselves with the knowledge necessary to make the 2017-2018 hunting season a safe and happy one.

“The most important thing is being certain of your target and what’s beyond it,” said Anderson County Game Warden Daniel S. Kessel. “And making sure that a deer is a deer and not just something moving in the woods.”
Kessel referenced the Ten Commandments of Shooting Safety, a guide which details the most vital tips for hunters to remember.

“Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and treat every gun as if it’s loaded,” Kessel encouraged. “Don’t point a gun at anything you don’t intend to obliterate or destroy.”

According to information provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the complete Ten Commandments of Shooting Safety are as follows.

“Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.” A firearm should never be pointed at anything the user does not have intentions of shooting. Do not rest the muzzle of your gun on your foot or toe, and only place your finger into the trigger guard when you are sure you are prepared to shoot. Safety should be left on until the instant the user is ready to fire, but it is important to remember that safety is not an acceptable substitute for safe handling of a firearm.

“Treat every firearm with the same respect you would show a loaded gun.” Each time you pick up a firearm, ensure that the muzzle is aiming in a safe direction before checking to see if the gun is loaded. If you are unsure of how to determine whether or not the gun is loaded, ask a hunter you trust for help. Before handling new guns, be sure to thoroughly read all instructional material provided with the firearm.

“Be sure of your target and what is in front of and beyond your target.” It is vital to properly identify game animals before pulling the trigger. Ensure that your target is in full visibility before even raising the scope of your firearm.

Binoculars may be helpful in determining what is in front of and behind the animal. Avoid shooting at any animals atop hillsides or ridges, as it is impossible to know what is on the other side. Familiarize yourself with how far your bullets can travel, and do not shoot at surfaces such as rocks or water to avoid the risk of a bullet ricocheting.

“Unload firearms when not in use.” Actions should be left open, and firearms should be stored in appropriate cases during trips to and from shooting locations. Ammunition should always be stored and transported separately from firearms, and all components should be kept securely locked away when not in use.

“Handle the firearms and ammunition carefully.” Avoid climbing fences, jumping ditches, or maneuvering other challenging terrain while holding a loaded firearm. Carry the gun with two hands as often as possible, as this allows for the most efficient control of the muzzle. In the event of a fall while walking with a gun, it is important to disassemble the firearm and inspect the barrel from the breech end to ensure that no obstructions are present.

“Know your safe zone-of-fire and stick to it.” The term “safe zone-of-fire” refers to the direction or area in which a shot may be fired safely. When hunting with companions, make sure to be aware of their locations at all times. Avoid swinging the gun out of the safe zone-of-fire. If ever in doubt of whether a shot is safe, refrain from taking it.

“Control your emotions when it comes to safety.” Losing control of emotions may lead to careless actions. In the midst of the excitement which comes from successfully shooting a targeted game animal, avoid moving the muzzle of a gun out of the safe zone-of-fire or running without engaging the safety on the firearm.

“Wear hearing and eye protection.” The loud noises and vibrations created by firearms hold the potential to damage a person’s hearing. This damage may occur gradually over a period of years or happen immediately. Protective glasses should be worn to keep the eyes safe from burnt powder, escaping gasses, or other debris.

“Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before or while handling firearms.” While Luke Bryan’s 2009 tune ‘Drinkin’ Beer and Wastin’ Bullets’ paints what may be a tantalizing picture of a carefree afternoon in the woods, it is obviously best to avoid shooting when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances not only alter a hunter’s normal mental and physical bodily functions, but also have an effect on emotions which may make it easier for a hunter to lose control in the heat of a moment.

“Be aware of additional circumstances which require added caution or safety awareness.” These “Ten Commandments” are not an all-inclusive list of the rules necessary to follow when shooting or handling firearms.

The location in which you are shooting may have additional rules posted; hunters should familiarize themselves with these and make sure to practice them at all times. The instructions for reloading a firearm should also be read thoroughly and closely followed.

According to Kessel, the 2017-2018 season looks to be a promising one, and plenty of prime hunting spots exist in Houston and Anderson Counties.

“There’s a lot of cover crop for the deer to eat; we’ve had a lot of rain this summer,” he pointed out. “There’s a really good acorn crop, and the deer are looking healthy. I’ve seen some good deer; a lot of people are getting pictures on their cameras of good bucks.”

Kessel recalled that the 2016-2017 season was a bit slow, citing the plentiful amount of food the deer had in lieu of corn feeders as a possible reason.

“They (hunters) may see a little of that in the beginning of this season,” he cautioned. “But if they get out there and find a good stand of oak trees with a good acorn crop, there’s going to be deer there.”

While Kessel named private, leased ranches as the best spots for hunting in Anderson County, he went on to say that the Davy Crockett National Forest in Houston County provides a great public location for walk-on hunters. All persons wishing to hunt on these grounds must have a valid hunting license on their person and be wearing blaze orange to allow themselves to be easily seen by other hunters.

The Messenger would like to wish all Houston and Anderson County hunters a safe and productive season in 2017-2018.

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