Make the archery/crossbow seasons as safe as can be

Now that archery and crossbow deer season is in full swing, running through Jan. 8, 2023, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts should recognize that safety is extremely important.

The following safety rules should apply to every outing:

• Treat every bow/crossbow as if it was loaded.

• Always point the bow/crossbow in a safe direction.

• Be certain of the target, as well as what is before and beyond it.

• Keep the trigger finger outside the crossbow trigger guard or archery release until ready to shoot.

• Crossbows have a safety. Immediately after cocking, always check to make sure that the bow is on safe.

• Always use bolts/arrows recommended by the manufacturer and handle carefully.

• Protect oneself and the arrow points, with a covered arrow quiver.

• The safest way to carry, transport and raise or lower a crossbow from a stand, is always to have the crossbow uncocked.

• The safest way to un-cock a crossbow is to fire a bolt into a safe target.

• Make sure that the limb tips are free of obstructions and that fingers, hand or arm, are not in the string path at any time while the crossbow is cocked.

• Never fire the bow or crossbow, without firing an arrow/ bolt from it (known as “dry firing”).

• Know range for accuracy. Tree stand safety is also a key consideration throughout all the deer hunting seasons. Tree stand incidents are a leading cause of injury to hunters, so they should always wear a safety harness, use three points of contact when going into or out of the stand, and use a haul line to bring the unloaded bow or crossbow into the stand.