South Carolina is blessed with an abundance of great deer hunting opportunities, and as any avid sportsman can tell you, we also have one of the earliest starts to the season. This year, hunters on private lands in the Lowcountry can begin their quest for whitetail deer as early as Aug. 15. (For complete details on regional seasons and restrictions, visit dnr.sc.gov.)
Sadly, each returning season brings news of tragic hunting accidents. Most of these incidents are avoidable, so with prevention in mind, here are six things to consider before you take to the field this fall.
Stand safety
Most deer-hunting accidents are connected to stands—falls, slipping while climbing, losing balance, faulty equipment, falling asleep and the like. Always use a first-rate, full-body safety harness with wide, strong straps.
Climbing stands, while light and versatile, are particularly problematic. Exercise every caution with them. Make sure the two parts are securely connected, that frames are strong enough to support your weight, that you climb only on suitable trees (avoid those with slick bark), and that you have a rock-solid “bite” into the tree when you reach the desired elevation.
For lock-on stands, make sure the straps or chains anchoring it to the tree are intact and strong. Likewise, check the integrity of the platform before first use. Remember that the steps may be slippery, and use always caution as you ascend and descend.
Stands accessed by use of a ladder are probably the most widely used and safest hunting platform, but wooden steps and platforms can rot, nails can come loose and welds can weaken during the off-season. Always check the integrity of your stand prior to the hunting season.
Gun safety
The obvious points here include muzzle control when walking into the woods with others and always making sure of your target. Other tips to remember: Never load your gun until you are safely seated in your stand, and always unload before descending. For the sake of safety, and to increase your odds of a successful hunt, clean your gun regularly and familiarize yourself with your gun or bow before the season starts.
Proper attire
Always wear the required amount of hunter orange (This is a case where more is definitely better), and dress for the weather conditions. In colder months, hypothermia can be a real problem, especially if you get wet. Check the weather reports, but remember that Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Take precautions against sudden changes in conditions and keep a set of foul-weather gear in your day pack—just in case.
Insect problems
Wasps love to build their nests in permanent stands, especially ones with roofs, another reason to check and prepare stands in advance of the season. Also, be aware of the fact that yellow jackets love to build their in-ground nests along precisely the sort of trails trod by deer hunters. Your first-aid kit (You do have one, right?) should include Benadryl tablets, which can help quiet the pain of any stings. If you are allergic, be sure to carry an EpiPen.
Always let someone know your hunt plans
This may involve posting a pin on a hunt camp map or leaving detailed information with a family member. The idea is simple: Should you become lost or injured, your friends and family will know when and where to start looking for you.
Take sensible precautions while moving through the woods
Always carry a flashlight, especially if you’re going to and from stands in the dark, and remember that there’s no shame in using a compass or GPS unit when hunting in unfamiliar terrain. And always—I repeat, always—be aware of other hunters in the area.
Stay safe, and have a great season.
Jim Casada is a veteran outdoor writer and a member of York Electric Cooperative. For more hunting tips, or to sign up for his free e-newsletter, visit jimcasadaoutdoors.com.