Small Town News

Start of hunting seasons a time to focus on safety

---

While it seems it should still be several weeks off, this weekend marks the beginning of the early Canada Goose season in South Dakota. Waterfowl hunters will therefore take to the water in an effort to help thin the ranks of the large bird, which has seen its numbers explode in recent years.

This early season is the springboard to the regular goose season, duck season and eventually pheasant season, that golden shot in the arm of hunting seasons in South Dakota. As we approach those subsequent seasons, more people will be taking to the fields, lakes and other hunting hotspots around the state.

As it all gets underway, it's a good time to review basic hunting safety procedures.

Take a basic hunting and gun safety course if you have not already done so. If you have already done so, now is always a good time to take a refresher course.

Know your targets and check your background.

Get a detailed map of the area you are hunting, review it before you leave, and carry it with you in the field.

Carry a compass and know how to use it. Decide ahead of time the direction to head for if you get lost or disoriented.

Weather can change quickly in South Dakota, so hunters should carry a simple survival kit and be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the field. The survival kit should contain a rope, a knife, water, waterproof matches, an emergency shelter and first aid supplies.

If you are on the water, make sure to wear a personal flotation device.

Know your hunting partners' physical and emotional limitations, as well as your own, and don't push your partners or yourself beyond those limits.

Make sure you have all the proper licenses and documentation for your hunt. Early goose season in South Dakota is fairly straightforward in South Dakota - a hunter needs only a small game license, migratory bird stamp and federal bird stamp. Out-of-state hunters cannot hunt in some counties for the early goose season.

More information on South Dakota hunting laws can be found at http://www.sdgfp.info.

Hunting is a basic tenant of life in South Dakota and the Great Plains region of the country in general. Many families congregate around the time of pheasant season and turn the hunt into a family reunion of sorts. It's a tradition borne out of the pioneer roots our ancestors laid down when they arrived here.

It's a season for enjoyment, the outdoors and communing with nature. Don't let the event turn tragic. Take all safety warning seriously, and come back safe from the hunt, whatever the target may be.



Copyright 2009 Hutchinson Herald, Menno, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Hutchinson Herald Menno, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Hutchinson Herald