Prioritize Safety is Called For By Hunters During This Hunting Season
As the Roar hunting season begins, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MSC) is reminding hunters to prioritise safety to ensure a successful and ethical hunting experience. Unpredictable autumn weather, potential terrain hazards, and increased injury risks are some of the considerations that hunters should be aware of.
To help hunters navigate these challenges, MSC has compiled a list of key safety tips and guidelines.
1. **Wear appropriate safety gear:** Blaze orange clothing or high-visibility attire is essential for ensuring visibility to other hunters and preventing accidental shootings. Hearing protection, suitable clothing for the weather and terrain, and hearing protection are also advised.
2. **Know and follow hunting regulations:** Researching and adhering to season dates, licensing requirements, bag limits, and prohibited areas is crucial for staying legal and supporting conservation efforts. Always obtain the necessary permits or licenses.
3. **Use the right equipment and maintain it:** Select weapons appropriate for roar hunting, such as rifles, bows, or shotguns, along with camouflage clothing, binoculars, and rangefinders. Ensure your firearm or bow is properly set up, maintained, and that you are experienced and comfortable with its use.
4. **Be aware of your surroundings:** Continuously monitor other hunters' locations, keep a clear shooting zone, and be cautious of wildlife and environmental hazards like bears.
5. **Plan your hunt and communicate:** Inform a trusted person about your hunting location and expected return, carry a map, compass, or GPS device, and bring a first aid kit for emergencies.
6. **Practice safety in the field:** Stay calm, know how to use a tourniquet or other first aid techniques, handle weapons safely, and avoid risky areas known for high animal activity or dangerous terrain.
Additional tips from MSC include watching your footing to prevent slips, trips, and falls, as well as to be quieter and less likely to spook game. Before heading out, MSC suggests discussing the day's plan with the hunting party, including gear and emergency contact information.
MSC Chief Executive is advising hunters to make smart decisions on the day for a safe and successful hunt. Setting expectations for the day ensures that everyone is prepared and on the same page. MSC has partnered with Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to encourage hunters to prioritise safety to prevent injuries.
Severe hunting injuries during the Roar season are more common, with 40% of these injuries occurring to the knee or shoulder. If found in a risky spot, MSC recommends pausing and considering the safest way out, even if that means backtracking. If rivers rise, MSC recommends altering the route, turning back, or using emergency shelter to wait until the river drops.
Taking care of oneself and each other is important during the hunt. Hunters are advised to check in with each other regularly, take breaks often, and have frank conversations about fatigue or concerns with the route. An average of 76 days of employment are lost due to these injuries during the Roar.
By following these guidelines, hunters can help ensure a safe, ethical, and effective roar hunting experience. MSC's 'have a hmmm' tips include slowing down, taking your time, and pacing yourself to improve safety and spot game.
- To maintain a healthy and safe lifestyle during the roar hunting season, it's crucial to prioritize outdoor-living skills such as knowing how to use a tourniquet or other first aid techniques.
- For a successful and ethical hunting experience, it's essential to adopt a lifestyle that promotes proper fitness-and-exercise habits, such as being quieter and less likely to spook game by watching your footing to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Besides adhering to safety regulations, one can also enhance their lifestyle by incorporating home-and-garden practices, such as discussing the day's plan with the hunting party, including gear and emergency contact information, and informing a trusted person about your hunting location and expected return.
