FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2024
Contact: Lt. Renee Thok, Wisconsin DNR Hunter Education Administrator
[email protected] or 262-900-7860

Make Safety Your No. 1 Target This Hunting Season

In addition to TAB-K, hunters must follow all hunting regulations and only take aim during legal shooting hours. / Photo Credit: Northeast Association Of Fish And Wildlife Agencies

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to make safety their number one target as they head out into the field this gun deer season, Nov. 23 through Dec. 1.

Hunters can do their part to reduce the number of hunting incidents by following the four basic rules of firearm safety:

T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.

K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

In addition to TAB-K, hunters must follow all hunting regulations and only take aim during legal shooting hours.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. To learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and to register for a hunter education course, visit the DNR’s website.

Blaze Orange And Fluorescent Pink Required; Recommended For Non-Hunters

Hunters are also reminded of the blaze orange or fluorescent pink requirement that applies during any open statewide firearm season (such as the upcoming nine-day gun deer season).

You must be wearing at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink from the waist up. Any hats or hoodies worn must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink.

The DNR also encourages the non-hunting public and their pets to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink during the gun deer season if they plan to recreate on public land that allows for hunting.

Brush up on other safety best practices by visiting the DNR’s Firearm Safety webpage.