Brush up on Hunter Safety before season starts

Hunting seasons are just around the corner, less than two weeks away for the start of dove season, so now would be a good time to start getting ready for those seasons.

While cleaning your gun, getting decoys or clothing dusted off, and putting in some shooting practice are all good things to think about, safety needs to be the number one item that all outdoors folks brush up on.

Firearms – in the hunter education course required by young hunters in most states, the first rule of firearm safety is the person holding the gun is responsible for its safe handling.

Hunter Ed instructors often use an acronym of ACTT to remind shooters of the safety basics.

A – assume every gun is loaded.

C – control the direction of the muzzle. Always point the gun in a safe direction.

T – trigger finger – keep you finger off of the trigger until ready to fire.

T – target – be certain of your target and what’s behind it.

Just following these tips would eliminate the majority of the hunting accidents (which by the way are comparatively small, much smaller than most other sports). Practicing these and other safety tips can make sure that those statistics stay small, and a serious injury or death does not happen.

Here are a few more tips, offered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the National Rifle Association when it comes to firearm safety:

· Load a firearm when you are in the field (away from buildings and vehicles), and ready to actually begin hunting. Although you should always remember to keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and you should not rely on your mechanical safety alone, you should have your safety on until you are on target and ready to fire.

· While hunting, you will also need to unload when crossing hazards, such as slippery streams or deep ravines, when going up or down steep hillsides, and when crossing fences. Don’t risk your life to a slip, trip or fall with a loaded firearm in your hands.

· If someone is ahead—or will possibly be able to move ahead—of the muzzle of the firearm you are carrying, you are potentially creating an unsafe condition. If someone is ahead of you, or behind you, you’ll need to use judgment to determine if you should carry your firearm on your shoulder on a sling, in a cradle or two-hand carry position across your chest, or with the firearm pointed directly ahead while held on your arm near the elbow in an elbow (or side) carry position.

· Tree stands help hunters look down on large sections of turf where deer and other critters may tread. Getting safely up and down with a firearm can be easy and safe—if you follow some guidelines. First, unload your firearm, then tie a strong piece of rope onto the grip. Now gently lay the firearm on the ground. Tie the other end of the rope to your waist so it does become entangled in your feet. Carefully climb up, secure your safety harness, then pull the firearm up.

· Emergencies happen, so plan for them. In your hunting daypack, place the following: flashlight, fire-starting items including a lighter and tender, a whistle, a few snack bars, a poncho or rainsuit, compass and map, a small folding saw, mirror for signaling and any necessary medications and extra reading glasses you may need for a night afield. The cellphone that is not on this list should be in a shirt, jacket, or pants pocket and always with you—period.

City of Lawton Elk Hunt

You can now enter the City of Lawton 2024 Annual Elk Hunt Drawing.

The City of Lawton is now accepting applications. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 13th. A $25 administrative fee is required for each application.

The drawing will be held at the Lakes & Land Commission meeting at Owens Multi-purpose Center, 1405 SW 11th Street, Lawton, on September 18th. Attendance is not necessary to be selected.

The hunt will be held either October 10-13 or December 19-22. Ten lucky hunters (five for the first period, five for the second period).

Hunters fortunate to get drawn will be able to hunt approximately 1,400 acres on the west side of Lake Lawtonka (boat access only). Hunters drawing permits will still have to purchase the appropriate city, and state licenses, and the permit is not transferable to anyone else.

Those lucky enough to draw one of the city licenses will not be allow to apply for a period of three years. Hunters drawn for one of the hunts can use bow, primitive firearm, or shotgun with slugs.

Applications can be picked up at the City of Lawton, Parks and Recreation office (1405 SW 11th St.), City Clerk’s Office (212 SW 9th St) or Lakes Headquarters (23510 Highway 58, across from Lake Lawtonka). Or Online at the City of Lawton website.