The Minnesota firearms deer hunting season is just around the corner and once again we need to keep safety in mind as we head out for the hunt. This year the firearms season kicks off next Saturday.

For those who take part in the deer opener it can become a family tradition. A few years ago I attended the first Governor’s deer hunting opener and was able to see first hand what is a true family tradition for many.

That particular opener was in the Brainerd area, which has a lot of public land available for habitat as well as for the campers. Although there was quite a bit of snow on the ground, there were numerous tents set up in the deer camps. I was also very impressed with what tight-knit groups that these hunters are.

Although I was there to write a story and not to hunt I did get to ride along with some DNR officers to spot check different areas and find out how the hunters were faring. On one occasion we greeted a young girl as she emerged from the woods and asked if she had seen any deer. She said she had seen some but didn’t have a shot. She actually seemed more excited about being able to attend her first family deer camp. She said she felt that she was now part of the family tradition.

Another time we came across four hunters that had shot three deer. It was the father, his two sons, and a grandson. They told us that grandpa had shot all three deer and that of all the years they had been hunting the opener it was the first time that he had gotten a deer. Needless to say there was a little good-natured ribbing going on.

One of the DNR officers who I was riding with was Gary Drotts who is the head of game and fish for the DNR in the Brainerd area. He said that as soon as the official Governor’s opener is over he was heading north to the Big Fork River, which is north of Marcell. This is where his family has a hunting cabin and you can only get there by boat. He said it’s been a tradition in his family for many years.

After this experience I was able to appreciate what deer camp means to many hunters and what a tradition it can be. Whether it’s a family tradition or one that a group of friends has formed over the years it is indeed something special.

Whether you are traveling to one of the northern zones or hunting in this area you always need to be safety-conscious. The DNR is especially concerned about the rural farm areas because of the amount of crops that are still standing in the fields. Because of this the DNR has issued the following statement:

Delayed harvest causes deer hunting safety concerns

Standing corn is a safety concern this firearms deer hunting season, according to Capt. Mike Hammer of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“The cool summer and wet fall has delayed the corn harvest in many parts of the state,” noted Hammer, the DNR Enforcement Division’s Education Program coordinator. “That harvest delay could create hunter safety issues during deer drives when the firearms deer season kicks off on Nov. 7.”

Deer drives are when a group of hunters walk through a field hoping to flush out deer. Standing crops can cause visibility problems among hunters, creating a safety issue when shooting at running deer.

“The excitement of the hunt can quickly cloud a hunter’s judgment and perception,” Hammer said. “The hunter momentarily forgets about surroundings — even hunting partners. Many times a victim and shooter know one another, since they’re hunting together.”

To ensure safety, deer hunters should establish hunting plans that define who will shoot and when during drives. Each hunting party member should have a predetermined zone of fire and always know the locations of others in the hunting party. Visibility between those stationary on deer drives and those driving deer is important.

“Every hunter assumes an incredible responsibility when using a firearm in the field,” Hammer said. “It’s up to the hunter to make sound shooting decisions. If there’s even the slightest hint that something isn’t right, don’t shoot. There will be other opportunities.”

Hammer reminds hunters to hunt defensively; assuming every movement or sound that they hear is another hunter until they can prove unquestionably that it isn’t.

Every accident is preventable by following a few basic rules:

Know the location of your partners and others; know your zones of fire.

Make your position known to other hunters.

Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

Wear blaze orange clothing in areas open to deer hunting with firearms.

“These rules are not only common sense, they are the law,” Hammer said.

Until next time good luck, hunt safe and always take a little time to enjoy our great Minnesota outdoors.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.