For many Missourians, one of the most exciting parts of fall is the start of hunting season. Archery season is already underway and gun season starts this weekend. It is important to be aware of your surroundings during hunting season. You need to exercise caution whenever you’re in an area in which it is permitted. To reduce your risk of being injured in a hunting accident, here are four safety tips to follow: until hunting season ends in the winter:

1. Make your presence known – If you are not hunting, but are in a  place where hunting is allowed, it’s wise to make some noise by singing, clapping or talking in order to alert any hunters that you are a human, not an animal – particularly if you’ve heard gunshots close by.
2. Choose your attire wisely – In addition to dressing appropriately for the chilly weather, it’s crucial for both hunters and non-hunters to wear brightly colored clothing while walking through the woods. It is wise to wear a fluorescent orange hat and vest to ensure that others can see them.
3. Fill someone in on your plans – Whether you’re heading into the woods to go hiking or hunting, let someone know where you’ll be and when you plan to return home. You should also consider finding someone  to go along with you. This way, you’ll be able to help each other in the event of an emergency.
4. Don’t forget to prioritize pet safety – Keep in mind that dogs can easily be mistaken for deer, so they should always be kept on a leash when you’re walking in or near a hunting area. You should also consider putting a fluorescent orange bandana or sweater on your pets to increase their visibility and safety.

While it is inherently dangerous to recreate in natural areas at times when hunting is permitted, following these guidelines  will go a long way in reducing your chances of being injured in a hunting accident. To further minimize your risk if you’re a non-hunter, make an effort to take your autumn strolls in locations in which hunting is forbidden. For more helpful hunting advice, take a look at our past blog post on this topic.

Just like any other type of incident, hunting accidents can happen even when precautions are taken to prevent them. In the unfortunate event that you or someone you love is hurt in a hunting incident due to someone else’s negligence, you can rely on the attorneys of Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, to assist you.

For more than 40 years, the lawyers of Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, have been committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and their families. We provide strategic, individualized legal advice and representation for all of our clients.

If you are in need of legal assistance after an accident, contact us or call the office at (573) 686-2459. We wish you a safe and happy autumn, but in case things don’t go as planned and a negligence-related incident affects your family, we’re here to help.

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