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Show Know the Hazards of Hontiniq Alcohol actually lowers skin temperature and impairs judgement and coordination. Hunters should be warned of the hazards alcohol creates. BEFORE THE HUNT 1. A hunter should prepare himself for the elements in the area he will cover by wearing boots and clothing that is adequately warm. 2. His clothing should be highly visible to avoid being mistaken for deer, elk, or other game. 3. Every hunter should carry a compass, small flash light, reliable lighter or matches in a waterproof case, strong knife, first-aid kit, and a map of the area where he will be hunting. He should also have a loud whistle to summon aid if it is needed. 4. He should let someone-a friend or relative-know where he is going and when he plans to return. 5. Both law and courtesy require a hunter to ask permission to hunt on private property. A land owner can tell a hunter the location of other hunters and the whereabouts where-abouts of valuable livestock. It is a good policy of any hunter when leaving the property to notify and thank the land owner. Cont. to 10 The National Safety Council's Coun-cil's statistics show that approximately 1,100 persons died in firearm accidents in public places in 1978. It is estimated that only about half of these deaths are related to hunting. At the same time, approximately 1,500 persons died in the home environment. Obviously, Obvi-ously, the hunter's concern for his guns must not end once he is in from the field, according to Robert D. Bailey, President of the Utah Safety Council. Bailey said that although guns do play a major role in hunting accidents, there are other hazards hunters should be aware of and take precautions against. For example, more deer hunters die from heart attacks than from gun shot wounds. Over-exertion, falls, drownings, drown-ings, exposure-all take their toll. The Council president said that in addition to heart attacks, over-exertion causes fatigue, which in turn exposes expo-ses the hunter to all sorts of . - - - ' ' - t r . additional and unnecessary hazards. Hunters not acclimated to the rigors of the sport should spend a little time getting in good physical shape which, by the way, is good in any event. Falls, mostly from trees, ledges, slopes and rocks, account for many hunting accidents. Many firearm accidents are related to falls. Hunters should be reminded that even simple injuries and sprains can lead to serious consequences when medical care is far away. According to Bailey, the best protection from falls is avoidance. Hunters should avoid climbing trees, chasing deer, jumping streams, and taking short cuts. Water is a silent menace to all hunters, not just water foul hunters in boats. A hunter who suddenly finds himself in water should not thrash about in a panic. He should relax and let the air in his clothing bring him to the surface. From this floating position, the hunter can move to safety in a modified breast stroke. Severe and critical injury can result from frost bite and prolonged exposure is often fatal. One early sign of frost bite is intense tingling discomfort followed by loss of senses and a peculiar stiffness. Treatment consists con-sists of rapid rewarming in water if possible. Lost hunters should stay put, keep warm, improvise a shelter and conserve wood, water and energy. Soungind the international distress signal-three short blasts in quick succession-may help in obtaining aid. Bailey said that a swig of spirits may seem to have a warming effect on a cold day, but its value is short lasting. Cont. from 9 Know f he hazards ON THE HUNT i 1. Open field or brush hunters should walk abreast making sure that no one gets out in front. A left handed marksman should Valk to the right end of the : group because of his tendency to swing right. 2. While walking, a hunter should carry the gun cradled in his arm with the muzzle pointing down in case of falling. 3. The gun muzzle should jbe checked frequently to make certain it hasn't accidentally been plugged with mud, earth, or weeds. A plugged barrel could explode or split when fired with disastrous results. 4. A hunter should never try to cross a fence with gun in hand. ' If alone, he should open the action or unload the gun, push it laterally under the fence then climb through or over the fence at the butt end of the weapon. 5. When crossing a fence with a companion, one hunter should hold the weapons while the other crosses, then the first hunter should ' pass the weapons across, muzzle : up, before crossing himself. 6. The experienced hunter will wait until his target is fully visible and a good shot is possible before pulling the trigger. An over-anxious shot at movement or noise, can merely wound an animal causing it to wander off and die a slow death. 7. A hunter should approach downed game with caution. The animal may be only stunned! Bear, elk and moose can kill a person and even a deer is extremely dangerous when wounded. GAME SHOULD NEVER BE CARRIED OVER THE SHOULDERS A pair of antlers emerging from the bush or trees is a .perfect target for another eager hunter. The hunter should drag the animal out, carry it on a travois, or dress it out,, quarter it or bring it out in pieces. |