November marks deer hunting season; opening day of the Michigan firearm season is November 15.
Every year, hundreds of hunters suffer injuries, but the misconception is that those injuries are at the hand of the hunter’s weapon. Although there are definitely weapon-related injuries, many serious injuries result from unstable terrain, dangerous animals, improper use of equipment, and more. It’s vital for all hunters to understand some important safety tips before “gearing up.”
Gun Safety
Although hunters should never move around with a loaded gun or hoist a loaded firearm into a stand, they should always assume the gun is loaded as an added safety measure. Point it in a safe direction and kept your finger off the trigger until read to shoot. Know your target and the surrounding area. Never consider shooting at sounds in the brush.
Wear Hunter Orange
Wearing hunter orange means you can be easily seen and not confused with a deer. Carrying a flashlight before and after daylight is also important.
Tree Stands
Using a tree stands helps hunters see above the brush. Deer don’t often look up so tree stands put hunters above the sightline of deer. With this said, hunters need to take extra caution when using a tree stand. Hunters should always use a rope to raise and lower equipment, and always unloaded. Always use a sturdy, portable stand, never stands nailed to trees. Trees can rot; weakened wooden steps and stands seriously injure and kill hunters. Use a safety belt for climbing and never climb higher than 15’ to 20’ to reduce serious injuries from a fall.
In addition to these safety tips, if at all possible, avoid hunting alone. Let your family and/or friends know when you’re going hunting, where, and what time you’re expected to be back.
Mark Bello has thirty-six years experience as a trial lawyer and fourteen years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Member of Public Justice, Public Citizen, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.
