North Dakota Outdoors: October 23, 2023

The opening shots, so to speak, of the 2023 hunting season officially began over two months ago on August 15 with the early Canada goose season.

If you’re like many, the intention of brushing up on your swing and transitioning from fishing to shotgunning isn’t as gradual as you’d like. And honestly, I won’t begrudge a miss or “aw shucks” moment or two. Many hunters and anglers play softball and golf, and the transition between the two is similar to fishing and hunting. The only comparison is they both take place outdoors.

We’d all, in a best case scenario, spend a few evenings shooting clay pigeons and working out the kinks prior to heading into the field, but I know the best laid plans often are plans and not necessarily action points. I will say if you have time even in October or November, invest wisely and you’ll appreciate the benefit provided through practice and preparation – shooting trap, busting clay pigeons or, for the rifle hunters, getting to the range before deer season gets here.

One area we can’t afford to slip past is hunting safety reminders. August, September, October or November, no matter the month or open season, we must continue to stress safe gun handling and hunter safety.

Whether you count hunting years spent afield in decades, years or months, the worst possible habit any hunter can fall victim to is the dreaded “It won’t happen to me” syndrome. Trust me if you’re reading this, I hope and pray you never are part of a hunting incident, but hoping is futile unless we practice some basic safety tips.

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. Guns should be unloaded when not actually in use.

3. Don’t rely on your gun’s “safety.” Treat every gun as if it is loaded.

4. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Not every shot hits the intended target, and take care to know what is adjacent and beyond the intended target.

5. Use correct ammunition.

6. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

7. Wear eye and ear protection when shooting.

8. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.

9. Don’t alter or modify your gun, and have your gun serviced regularly.

10. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using. Do not use any firearm that you have not had adult instruction in handling.

You may even want to cut the attached commandments for hunters out and have your hunting partners, friends and family not simply read them, but adhere to them. I’m not naive to assume all will take my advice.

Remember, hunter safety is more important than any goose, grouse or deer. No matter how successful your hunt is or how the memories are made in the process, any accident or fatality will erase even the most notable outings.