We all know that many people are unfortunately injured this time of year in Pennsylvania car accidents. However, many others are too often injured doing something they love, and that is hunting. Some safety measures can minimize the risk of an injury while hunting deer this year. Do you have any others?
The Pennsylvania Game Commission enforces several basic safety rules, including:
* Hunters must wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined at all times while hunting.
* It is illegal to hunt, chase or disturb deer within 150 yards of any occupied building without the occupant’s permission when hunting with a firearm.
* If you harvest a deer, you must fill out the harvest tag you received with your hunting license and attach it to the deer’s ear – not the antlers – before moving it.
* Always identify your target and be aware of other hunters.
* If you shoot a deer, don’t parade it through town tied to your hood or trunk lid. Instead, deliver it to a processing facility as soon as possible in order to keep the meat from spoiling.
All rules and regulations can be found on the game commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us.
* If you have health issues, avoid overexertion while afield.
And speaking of health issues, hunters should check themselves for ticks at the end of their time in the woods. Some ticks have been associated with the spread of Lyme disease in humans and animals.
In addition, hunters also must be aware of antler restrictions in the wildlife management unit in which they are hunting.
Another regulation to remember is that in this area, there is a split-season structure. The first five days of the season – Monday through Friday – are open for antlered deer only. The remaining seven days – Saturday through Dec. 8 – are open for antlered and antlerless deer.
Motorists should be on high alert during the two-week deer season because increased pressure by hunters will push deer in every direction, sometimes across heavily traveled roadways.
Adult hunters should always set an example for younger hunters by practicing gun safety, being respectful of other hunters and property owners and never mixing alcohol with firearms.
To review all of the rules and regulations regarding deer hunting, and all hunting and trapping, on the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website: www.pgc.state.pa.us.
To learn more about Hunters Sharing the Harvest, go to www.sharedeer.org or visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website and click on “Hunters Sharing the Harvest” in the quick-clicks box in the right-hand column of the home page.
If you have an injury or a loved one has suffered a personal injury or been in a Pennsylvania incident caused by the negligence, recklessness or intentional conduct of another contact Central Pennsylvania based Schmidt Kramer Injury Lawyers immediately at (717) 888-8888 who will answer any questions you may have about your rights after you or a loved one are the victim of injury or death caused by the negligence of another person or company. Download our newsletter to find out more how we can help.