While gun season is over in Missouri, bow hunting season remains open. The lawyers and staff at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, want you to enjoy this later phase of the hunting season safely and successfully. In order to do that, we pulled together a list of bow hunting safety tips for the experienced as well as well as inexperienced hunters. Hunting safety should be an ongoing process and should involve a lifetime of developing skills and attitude. The following tips apply for all hunters, regardless of your experience level or age.

1. When bow hunting, never carry your cocked hunting crossbow into the woods with an arrow loaded. Most modern crossbows are built to be safely carried into the woods when cocked, but only if the crossbow is unloaded. For your safety and the safety of others who may be hunting near you, do not load an arrow into your crossbow until you are situated at your hunting spot. In other words, do not walk to your hunting area with your crossbow loaded and do not engage in “stalk hunting” with your crossbow.
2.  Handle your bow and arrows with care. Always use a hoist rope to lift your crossbow into your treestand when bow hunting. If you hunt from a treestand or elevated blind and you must climb a ladder to reach your spot, it is never a safe practice to attempt to carry your crossbow, whether on a sling or not, while climbing your ladder and entering your stand. Be sure to use only high-quality rope or cord for your hoist that performs well in the elements and that is strong enough to support the full weight of your crossbow while lifting it. Also, be sure to know how to securely tie the rope to your crossbow’s butt stock, so that the bow assembly is pointed toward the ground when you are hoisting the crossbow. Never climb a fence, a tree or a ladder with your bow and arrows. You should never jump a ditch or climb/hike difficult terrain with a nocked arrow. Always carry arrows in a protected cover or quiver.
3. Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before bow hunting  or at any time your are handling your bow and arrows. Alcohol and drugs impair normal physical and mental body functions and should never be used before or while handling archery equipment. These substances affect emotions as well as your physical abilities, making it easier to lose your temper and your ability to handle your weapon.
4. Unstring conventional bows when not in use for bow hunting. Store bows in cool, dry places.

At the end of the day, safety is the most important “trophy” you can bring home. It is never worth it to risk the safety of one of your fellow hunters or yourself. We hope that you will enjoy a wonderful, safe and successful hunting season this year. Please keep these tips in mind any time you are out hunting and share them with your family and friends who also hunt.

Bow hunting accidents can cause serious and catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in a hunting accident, our experienced lawyers are here to help. We are experienced in handling hunting, personal injury and auto accident cases. We will provide ethical and zealous representation for you at every step. If you have questions or need help, please contact us or call us today.