Hunters take aim at new season

“Hunters are ready to hit the fields,” said Larry Doster, Wildlife and Freshwater enforcement officer for Henry County. “Hunting a very popular sport for many, but it can be a dangerous sport, if safety is not taught and practiced regularly.

“Statistics show that 50 percent of all accidents occur in the home because of the lack of knowledge of the firearm. My first piece of advice to anyone who wishes to take up the sport of hunting or has become very unfamiliar with the activity is to get familiar with your firearm. Learn how it works and remember to never rely on your firearm being on safety. Everyone must remember a firearm is a mechanical device, and we all know mechanical devices can fail.”

Hunters will fill the fields Saturday beginning bright and early hoping they can break last year’s record on their first day of dove hunting.

“So many individuals are just so unaware of exactly how dangerous dove hunting can be,” Doster said. “Dove hunting is usually the season where a group of hunters meet and mingle before the hunt actually begins. Some may even hunt in larger numbers. If you do this, there are several simple rules to follow. Never stand around talking while your loaded gun is propped up on your vehicle. Several accidents occur from guns falling and discharging. Accidents do happen; no one is exempt. Play it safe; unload your gun. You can never be too careful. When you are in the field, look around and know where other hunters are. Never shoot your gun at low-flying birds. Always shoot the gun upwards. If you shoot at a low-flying bird, you could accidently hit another hunter.”

Doster also stated several complaints were received last year due to hunters hunting too close to a dwelling and pellets would land on a homeowner’s roof.

“Pellets usually do not cause damage to homes,” Doster said. “However, without the owner’s permission, you can not hunt within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling.”

After hunters enjoy participating in their dove hunts, they rebuild their strengths for bow season. Bow season for deer hunters will begin Oct. 15 and end Jan. 31.

Bow hunting is a very popular form of deer hunting. However, all hunters who do bow hunt know a successful hunt begins with knowing their bow, gear and the game they are targeting. One rule in bow hunting is very important; bow hunting requires that hunters get within 30 to 40 yards of the animal.

“Bow hunting is very popular in our area,” Doster said. “However, several hunters will use tree stands while bow hunting. There really are only two hunters who use tree stands – the ones that have fallen and those who will fall. So, when hunting in a tree stand, always use a harness. Remember, for those who enjoy hunting, safety should always be your number one goal.”

Rifle season begins Nov. 19 in the South Division. For hunters who use a muzzle loader, they can enjoy the week before rifle season.

“Muzzle loader season is set to run the week before rifle season,” Doster said. “However, remember, when hunting during muzzle loader season and rifle season, hunters must wear orange. It is required and is strictly enforced. Hunters can wear either a full-size orange cap or orange vest. This is a safety precaution, and you can be fined, if you do not obey. By hunters wearing orange, it can help other hunters identify that you are moving around, and it is not a deer.”

Doster stresses the importance of hunters following a few rules while hunting during rifle season.

“Always, always, and I can not stress this enough, always know who you are hunting with,” Doster said. “If you do not believe the individual you are hunting with is putting safety as their number one goal, inform them of what they did that was unsafe. It could save your life and their life. Always identify your target. Hunters must know what animal they are shooting and its location. Once that trigger is pulled, you can not take it back or stop it. No where you are shooting and what you are shooting. That is a rule a true hunter will follow.”

Doster had an added tip.

“Many hunters leave their vehicle or four-wheeler a large distance from where they will be hunting,” Doster said. “If so, always carry a small flashlight to safely find your location to the hunt and from your hunt. Believe me, if you have a small flashlight, the deer will not notice the small amount of light. This also helps other hunters know you are moving around in the woods. We want everyone to enjoy the upcoming hunting seasons. But, most importantly, we want all hunters to return home safely and to obey all hunting laws.”

Several hunting fines have been increased, and fine costs do not include court costs.

“We strongly enforce all hunting laws,” Doster said. “If you were born after August 1977, you must have a hunter’s safety course certificate. If you are 16 years of age or older, you must have a hunter’s license in your possession. If you do not, you are looking at a $75 fine plus court cost. Hunting at night has been increased to $2,000 plus court cost. The fine for hunting from a public road has been increase to $1,000, and hunting without permission is a $1,000 fine. My advice to all hunters is to get an updated Alabama Hunter’s Guide so you are aware of all the updated fines. Remember, all fines charged do not include court cost and the jail time that can be associated with your violation.

For more information regarding hunting in Alabama, visit the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at www.outdooralabama.com, or call 334-347-9467.