Hunting season begins

As most of you already know, Minnesota’s deer firearms season begins this Saturday, November. 5. According to MN DNR, sales for this season’s tags are strong and the deer population looks very good.  I’m certain every hunter is very excited, as I am, to get out and get started on what appears to be a great opportunity to fill our tags.  Safety needs to be our top priority, here are some things to remember as we enter another season of deer hunting.   

Firearm safety is always on top of the list.  Please make sure your gun is in good working condition and ready for use. Exercise caution when around others and be sure your target is clear and safe prior to taking any shot.  Please dress appropriately, be seen for your own safety as well as others out hunting with you.

If hunting from a tree stand, use appropriate safety gear to avoid unnecessary accident. Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injury to hunters. Falls from elevated stands are very common and can be prevented.   According to the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation, 86% of fall victims were not wearing a body harness, and 99% were not secured to the tree or stand.  Please use precaution and make a body harness part of this season.

Let’s make the 2022 season a great one as we all do our part to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

                             Grant Nelson/photo-journalist: Nov. 1, 11:00 am