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Hunting Season Safety Tips

The Temiskaming OPP is reminding everyone to be safe during hunting season. The OPP will be working with the MNR to ensure ethical hunting practices and safety is the first priority. The OPP says to make sure you transport guns and ammo safely, wear hunter orange, and to make sure you have all proper licenses.

A full list of tips from the OPP:

  • Ensure that you have the appropriate hunting licences for the game that you will be hunting for. It is your responsibility to know the game possession limits for your hunting area, as well as the hunting season dates for your wildlife management area.
  • Check your Firearms Licence (Possession / Acquisition or Possession Only) to make sure that they are current. You must have a current licence to carry a firearm and have it with you.  Handle firearms with care and attention at all times.
  • When transporting your firearm and ammunition, ensure that both are secured properly. It is an offence to have a loaded firearm in your vehicle, ATV or vessel. It is also an offence to shoot across a roadway.
  • Practice safe firearm handling practices. Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Ensure that you safely carry your firearm. Keep the safety on and finger off the trigger until you are actually going to fire.  Be sure of your target and beyond. If you are not sure of either, do not fire and wait. There may be others in the forest close by.
  • Unload and “prove safe” your firearm before you put it away or get into your vehicle.  This means unloaded, with the clip / ammunition removed and the safety on.
  • The more visible you are, the safer you will be.  Wear hunter orange as per hunting regulations.
  • Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you expect to be back. Take a cell phone with you if possible. When walking, let someone know where you will park your vehicle. If you become lost or injured, this will assist searchers in locating you. When lost “hug a tree” and wait for searchers to find you.
  • Dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. Fall weather can often change quickly.
  • Be prepared and pack items such as water, snacks, matches, a first aid kit, map, compass, knife, flashlight and perhaps extra gloves/socks and a wind breaker. A GPS is always a good idea.
  • Hunt only where you are permitted.
  • Alcohol / drugs and hunting do not mix, period. Be alcohol / drug free while you are hunting and ensure that all members of your party do the same. The consequences can be tragic.
  • When using an Off Road Vehicle or ATV, it is your responsibility to abide by the relevant legislation pertaining to its operation and the carrying of a firearm while travelling.
  • Show consideration for others using the forest. If someone approaches you, unload your firearm as a courtesy. If the area is busy, consider a different area to hunt.

Hunter safety is everyone’s responsibility.

For more information about hunting regulations go to www.mnr.gov.on.ca or call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).

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