Deer hunting season opens this weekend in East Texas. Game warden Chris Swift said hunters should be mindful of safety. He said one of the most common accidents on opening day involves loaded firearms when people get in and out of vehicles and tree stands. He also said many violations involve harvest logs and hunter education.
Swift said hunters should check their tree stands before opening day to make sure they are in working order. He said a fall from a stand while far from other people and without access to a phone "could be a big problem." He also advised hunters to check the rules for the county where they plan to hunt and to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Wade Anders, a local firearms instructor, said what is behind a target is probably the most significant safety consideration. Anders also runs a service that helps track wounded deer. He said he received 37 calls last year. He said hunters must get permission before pursuing a deer onto private property.
Swift recommended that hunters make a checklist before leaving for opening day. He said hunters should make sure everything is unloaded and treat every gun as if it is unloaded.