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Hunting

Be Safe and Enjoy the Season

Deer season is upon us. Here in West Virginia, the deer archery and crossbow season has begun and will continue through Dec. 31.

Antlerless deer split seasons will open in select counties starting Oct. 20; the two-week buck firearms season is scheduled to open Nov. 21 and a deer muzzleloader season will be open Dec. 12-18. A split season for youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS hunters also will be open Oct. 15-16 and Dec. 26-27.

For many, it is the most wonderful time of year.

“If it’s been a while since you’ve gone hunting in West Virginia, the fall seasons are a great time to get back in the game,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion.

Just don’t forget to get your license and stamps.

And even more importantly, don’t forget to brush up on your safety routine before heading into the woods. A hunter born after Jan. 1, 1975, must complete a Certified Hunter Education course before getting a base hunting license, anyway. But if you need some refreshers, there are plenty of resources online. West Virginia’s Department of Natural Resources includes on its website the ten commandments of gun safety (and some of the same tips can apply to archery, too).

Treat every gun as if it were loaded; always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; be sure of your target and what is beyond it; be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions; unload firearms when not in use; never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot; never climb a fence or tree or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm; never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water; store firearms and ammunition separately; and avoid alcoholic beverages and other mind-altering drugs before and during shooting.

It seems like a lot of rules for a time many use to unwind in the woods and get away from it all. But following them could mean the difference between life and death. A safety mistake while hunting can turn a trip into a tragedy instantly.

Be smart, be safe, enjoy the season — and good luck out there.

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