Safety is key to every successful hunt
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Safety is key to every successful hunt
MICHIGAN - During firearm deer season, all deer hunters, including archery hunters, must wear hunter orange as their outer layer of clothing, according to a press release from Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday. Camouflage garments must be at least 50% hunter orange. Hunter orange clothing, including caps, hats, vests, jackets and rain gear, must be visible from all directions.
The DNR recommends firearm hunters follow several safety practices:
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Be aware of surroundings, know the target and what is beyond it, and ensure there is a clear shot.
- Unload firearms when crossing obstacles or getting in and out of elevated stands.
- Obey no trespassing signs.
- Obtain landowner permission before retrieving tracked game that may have entered private property.
The DNR also encourages nonhunters who are outdoors in areas where hunting may occur to wear hunter orange to increase their visibility.
Additional hunting and tree stand safety information is available at michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/safety. Season and regulation information is available through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations.
Hunting violations, including trespassing, can be reported to the DNR Report All Poaching Hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800. Questions can be emailed to DNR-LED-RecSafety@Michigan.gov.
Courtesy Photo
Hunter Chrzan hunted his deer on Nov. 22, 2024. It was spike deer that weighed 105 pounds.
Wandering the woods: Stay safe, be courteous on trails
The DNR is also reminding people who hike, bike, or walk their dogs to stay visible to hunters during firearm deer season.
Michigan's regular firearm deer season runs from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30, followed by the December firearm season from Dec. 4 to 6 in the Lower Peninsula and late antlerless firearm season from Dec. 7 to Jan. 1 in eligible Lower Peninsula deer management units. Archery season is open through Nov. 14 and resumes from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1.
Trail users are encouraged to stay on marked trails, follow trail conditions and closures, and leave no trace. People walking dogs should keep pets on leashes no longer than six feet and consider using hunter orange vests, bandanas or harnesses to increase visibility. The DNR also recommends keeping pets close, preventing them from chasing wildlife or entering hunting areas, and giving other trail users, including horseback riders and cyclists, plenty of space.
More information about trail etiquette is available at michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-trails/trail-etiquette. Outdoor recreation and hunting safety information is available at michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-trails and michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/safety.