Hunter safety is not just for the youth. The Division of Wildlife Resources is offering safety tips for the upcoming archery hunt that kicks off onAugust 20th. According to DWR Hunter Education Coordinator Kirk Smith, there are reports every year of archery hunters injuring themselves and most accidents are caused by not being safe in tree stands or having arrows out before the hunter is ready to shoot. Smith urges safety when using tree stands. “Don’t climb the tree unless you’re certain it’s strong enough to hold you,” says Smith, who recommends portable stands. “Overtime, permanent tree stands can deteriorate and become unsafe…they clutter the landscape [and] can damage or kill trees by hammering nails into them.” The other biggest safety issue during the archery hunt is archers jabbing themselves or other hunters while carrying arrows in hand. “Until you’re ready to shoot,” says Smith, “keep your arrows in a quiver.” For more information on the archery hunt, visit
www.wildlife.utah.gov
.
