Tragically, there are human deaths each year in addition to the deer harvested during firearms hunting season. Michigan DNR wants to keep you safe with these best practices.

Whether this is your first season hunting or you are a seasoned veteran, Michigan DNR reminds you to remember to put safety first and follow these guidelines:

  1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
  2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
  3. Put your finger on the trigger only when you are ready to shoot.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings- know your target and what is beyond it.
  5. Keep the safety of your firearm on until you are prepared to take your shot.
  6. Unload the firearm when crossing obstacles and/or getting in or out of a tree stand.
  7. When transporting firearms in vehicles, make sure that they are unloaded and in a case.
  8. Obey "no trespassing" signs – they are there for a reason.
  9. If your game goes onto property marked as “no trespassing,” you must have the landowner’s permission to retrieve your game.
  10. Hunter orange should be worn as the outermost layer of clothing and must be visible from all directions. Camouflage garments legally must be at least 50 percent hunter orange.

Firearms season runs November 15-30 in Michigan. Learn more about safety procedures in the video below.

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