(Newswire.net — September 21, 2016) — Hunters wait all year for the short span of months where they can score a prize elk or deer. To help preserve the environment and wildlife, there are various regulations and requirements by states. Most people hunt for sport, and limitations are needed to keep people in check.
Deer and elk season is already here for some states and quickly approaching for others. It can be a very dangerous, but an exciting sport, and there are some things every hunter should know before heading outside.
1. There Are Limits and Restrictions
There are no blanket limitations on deer and elk hunting for the nation as a whole, other than that you must wait for the season to begin before bagging your first kill. Otherwise, you’ll need to defer to your state’s policies and regulations.
There may be limits on the number of deer you can kill. There will also be restrictions on killing baby animals and their mothers. Fish and Game wardens will be scouring the countryside for rule breakers, so it’s essential that you get your hunting certification and know the rules extensively. Otherwise, the fines and punishments are hefty.
2. Your Firearm Is Everything
The majority of your gear doesn’t matter, as long as you have a great firearm. The most popular gun for deer and elk season is a rifle. There are different opinions about the best brands and specs, but it should be comfortable and balanced for good aim.
Along with a good hunting gun, you might consider a few accessories. Many hunters don’t leave the house without an excellent scope. Others like a tripod or stand that will hold their gun steady while they take aim.
3. Deer and Elk Give Off Signs
Deer and elk can be a challenge because they’re usually pretty skittish, fast, and excellent at hiding. If you want to get a great kill, you’ll need to carefully watch for the signs. Shed antlers, rut behavior, rubs and scrapes on the trees, and tracks are all useful for finding deer. Brush up on these signs before heading out. This will take much of the guesswork out of the process and make it a more enjoyable experience.
4. 2016 Will Be A Great Year
Experts have concluded that deer and elk hunting season will be at a peak in 2016, particularly in the west. Tagged animals are being recorded at record high numbers, and Fish and Game are calling for hunting season to begin a little early, to help bring the population down a little.
5. Know the Area Well
Spend some time studying maps and scouting out hunting spots. It’s very important to know the area for safety and efficiency while hunting. It’s easy to get lost in the woods where cell phone service is low. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, your beloved sport becomes much more dangerous.
If you’re hunting in an unfamiliar area, talk with the Fish and Game department about good hunting spots, popular deer trails, and maps for the area. Every year, Fish and Game reports lost and injured hunters because they didn’t take care before heading out.
6. Take Proper Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount. Most states require that you wear a neon orange hunting vest to let other hunters know you’re in the area. Every year, more than 1,000 people in the United States and Canada are shot in hunting accidents, and about 100 of those accidents end in death. The majority of shootings are the result of improper safety measures and improper apparel.
Always carefully scout the area before setting up your hunting spot. While waiting for an animal to appear, keep one eye on the surrounding area to prevent accidents.
Each year, hunters embark on long excursions in pursuit of deer and elk, and they can be successful if precautions are taken.
In the 2016-2017 deer and elk season, don’t be caught unprepared in the wild.