Turkey hunting is a past time enjoyed by many and although some of us venture off into the woods with archery gear, the majority of hunters use firearms. Hunter safety is something that cannot be stressed enough. Everyone who hunts learns about hunter safety during their Sportsmen Education class which is required to obtain a hunting license in New York.
"With 27 hunting-related shooting incidents, 2008 was the safest year since such records have been maintained."
For New York, 2008 was the safest year on record with 27 hunting-related shooting incidents. Of these incidents three were related to spring turkey hunting. The ten year average shows six turkey hunting incidents per year during the spring season and two incidents during the fall turkey season. Although low numbers are good, even one incident is too many. So here are some tips all turkey hunters should keep in mind this spring:
- Assume every gun is loaded;
- Control the muzzle;
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire;
- Be certain of your target and what lies behind your intended target - gun patterns spread wide and arrows can pass through birds;
- Never stalk a turkey!
- Set up against a large tree and call the birds to you;
- Only use full-strut decoys or any male decoys on private land where you know there are no other hunters to mistake your decoy for a live bird;
- Carry a blaze orange vest and hat to wear while carrying a turkey out of the woods;
- Only one bearded bird can be taken per day in NY, but a total of two bearded birds can be taken during the spring season;
- Remember to report your harvest to the DEC.
Spring turkey season is a very exciting time of year to be out in the woods. Remember these tips when you're out there. Have a safe hunt and good luck!
It never hurts to review the laws, rules and safety tips.
ReplyDeleteGood post.