For Immediate Release
November 9, 2009
Contact: Carol Milligan
(717) 787-6725
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Be Safe This Hunting Season

Senator Scarnati urges hunters to follow safety tips

With the fall hunting season in full swing, Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is reminding hunters of easy ways to help ensure their safety and the safety of others while enjoying the Commonwealth’s great outdoors. 

"Recent studies by the Penn State College of Medicine showed that turkey season has the highest number of shooting-related injuries, while the white-tailed deer season is the most deadly," Senator Scarnati said. "Each year, hundreds of injuries occur, some fatal, because of preventable accidents caused by hazardous hunting practices."

To help prevent these incidents, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has provided basic safety tips that all hunters should follow: 

• Always identify the target—never point or shoot at sounds or movement; these may in fact be other hunters.
• Pre-elect a zone of fire—only fire on a target in that predetermined zone and only when you are certain it is safe to do so.
• Be seen—wear the mandated amount of fluorescent orange clothing and avoid wearing blue, white and/or red as these can be easily confused with colors on a wild turkey.
• Plan your hunt, then hunt your plan—let someone know where you are hunting and when you will return.
• Buckle up—wear a fall-resistant restraint device when hunting from an elevated stand.
• Dress for success—dress in layers of clothing that repel moisture, insulate and block wind or rain.
• Keep fit— hunting is hard work and requires rigorous physical activity; get a check-up and follow doctor’s advice.
• Do your homework—scout hunting areas and learn the habits of the game you hunt.
• Stay found—learn how to use a map and compass or a GPS unit.
• Be prepared—carry a basic survival kit and know how to use it. 

"Following these steps is a good way to help ensure safety for all hunters," Scarnati said. "Also be sure to follow all firearm-handling and hunting rules for a safe and enjoyable hunting season."

For more information on hunting safety including firearm, tree stand and turkey hunting, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Website at pgc.state.pa.us.