CARVER COUNTY, Minn. – This weekend was the Minnesota Firearms Deer Hunting Opener. Although it has been a success for many hunters, several accidents have occurred resulting in injuries.
Two fighters were shot down, one near Perley and the other near Moorhead.
“We require everyone to go through firearm safety before purchasing a license so they get that training and resources up front so they can make good hunting decisions,” said Brianna Shaw, Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer.
WCCO
The number of hunting incidents has decreased in recent years. Last year there were eleven incidents and none of them had a fatal outcome. Shaw said performing a gear check before hunting can prevent some accidents, such as falls from deer stands.
“Make sure the stand you’re hunting from has new straps and is secured to the tree. Make sure you have a harness that clips into the tree so you don’t fall out as we unfortunately see a lot of incidents that happen when people fall from the stands,” Shaw said.
Weather conditions such as fog and haze can also reduce visibility.
“We want to know what we’re shooting and what’s behind the shooting point, so if we can’t see the house behind the tree line and we make that shot, accidents happen. So make sure you know the area you’re hunting, and before you take that picture,” she said.
Although wearing bright orange or pink is required, Shaw recommends that hikers and their pets also wear bright colors during hunting season. Trespassing is the most common complaint against hunters and can be avoided through communication.
“We receive many complaints about neighbor disputes every year and the best way to prevent this is to make contact in advance,” she says.
With more than 400,000 Minnesotans participating in hunting activities each year, situational awareness is paramount.
Minnesota rules allow hunters to shoot 30 minutes before sunrise. They must stop half an hour after sunset.
Kirsten Mitchell
