RICHMOND, VA (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources) – With a few weeks left for general firearms deer season, the Department of Wildlife Resources wants to remind hunters to keep safety top of mind.

“During the holidays, Virginians tend to have time off, often hunting and spending time in the woods, said Hunter Education and Outreach Team Lead, Jimmy Mootz. “We want everyone to enjoy that time, harvest a deer, and make it back home safe and sound.”

To help ensure a safe day in the field, hunters should follow the following safety guidelines.

  • Take a hunter safety course.
  • Treat every firearm like it is loaded.
  • Always wear blaze orange.
  • Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
  • Respect wildlife, property, and people by only taking clean and ethical shots.

If hunting from an elevated position, including a tree stand or saddle, practice these safety ABCs.

            A: ALWAYS remove and inspect your equipment. Practice at ground level.
            B: BUCKLE on your full-body safety harness securely.
            C: CONNECT to the tree before you leave the ground and slow down.
            D: DESTINATION share your stand location for each hunt.

“Hunting in Virginia continues to be a safe and rewarding pastime, bringing families together, promoting conservation, and feeding communities,” said Mootz. “But, while still low, hunting incidents with injury are trending higher this year. Please stay vigilant and ensure you and those in your hunting community continue to implement safe hunting practices.”

In addition to taking a hunter safety course and having a valid hunting license, hunters should check the local regulations where they plan to hunt to make sure they’re in compliance. Hunting regulations can change so hunters should check for updates every year.