By Bruce Karnick

Deer hunting is a big deal in Minnesota, and the opener is just a few days away. Odds are, you are an experienced hunter with a lifelong family passion for it if you are reading this article. You probably know every trick in the book, and that’s ok. The DNR simply wants to make sure you don’t forget those tricks and the safety items involved in Hunting.

Take a trip out to www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/ and peruse the plethora of information on their site, if you are a newer hunter or taking a newer hunter with you, have them spend more time there to make sure they have the best chances of a safe hunt. You can find a video series on how to venture into the field and forest, how to field dress, skin and quarter a deer and much more. The time spent preparing before hand can mean a much more enjoyable hunt in the field.

There is also a link to help you plan the trip that includes a basic question and answer session, a copy of the full and abbreviated hunting regulations, how to log your deer sightings and how to tag and register your deer online.

Please do not forget your gun safety rules. Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded, never point your firearm at a target that you are not willing to destroy. Know your target, what is in front of it and behind it, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Some have added a fifth rule, always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting and maintaining your firearm.

Make sure you bring a solid first aid kit with you on your hunt. At least one member of the party should have a kit that includes a quality torniquet. Don’t leave it in the vehicle, a car that is one mile away from an accident could mean a 30-minute round trip, time that you do not have to waste when seconds can mean the difference between life or death. The goal of any hunting trip is to have a good time in nature while being safe and returning to your loved ones, hopefully with loads of meat to enjoy for months.

Best of luck to all our hunters out there. Be safe, have fun and may your aim be true and your target drop quick with no pain.