Nebraska Game and Parks Has Safety Tips for Goose Hunters
OutdoorHub 01.25.12
With goose hunters going out in force this winter and spring, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has the following safety reminders:
- Dress in layers to stay warm.
- Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, which can affect your judgment and ability to control a shotgun.
- Before hunting, practice mounting and maintaining control of the shotgun while wearing cold-weather clothing.
- Do not get careless or excited when in a blind, including a lay-down blind. Control the muzzle. When hunting with others, know safe zones of fire and communicate with them about who is going to shoot where.
- Never put a loaded shotgun in or take it out of a blind. Unload it and then check to make sure it is unloaded. Wait until you are settled in the blind before loading.
- Wear a personal flotation device if venturing onto ice.
- Avoid alcohol, medication and other mind-altering drugs before and during the hunt.
- Never jump or climb over or into a blind or boat with a loaded shotgun.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.