Equipment inspection and MADISON -- Hunting with a bow and arrows is not like riding a bike: practice and physical preparation are critical for a safe and successful outing, state hunting safety specialists say.
“If you haven’t been practicing with a bow, you’re already late,” says Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Shooting with archery equipment is not something that comes back to you just like that. You use specific muscles in archery that have to be conditioned, and it can’t be done overnight.”
Lawhern, himself a bowhunter, advises people who haven’t been practicing shooting with a bow to get out their equipment, inspect the bow limbs, string, handle, and other parts to make sure everything’s in sound condition and working properly. “If there’s anything that’s not in excellent condition, take your bow to any archery shop for repairs or replacement parts,” he says.
Hunters should start practicing immediately once the equipment checks out. The practice will help bowhunters get their arm, shoulder and finger muscles accustomed to the task of shooting, and will help improve the hunters’ accuracy.
Lawhern advises that bow hunters should practice at least 20 minutes every day. “Two weeks before opening day your first shot in practice is your gauge of whether you’re ready to go into the field,” he said. “If that first shot is right on target, you’re set.”
Lawhern advises hunters whose practice time has been limited to take closer shots than normal. “For most people, that’s going to be less than 20 yards,” he says. “The last thing any hunter wants is an errant shot.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317
Simple steps can help hunters avoid falls from tree stands
MADISON -- Tree stands are popular among Wisconsin hunters -- especially among archery enthusiasts -- because they help improve the hunters’ visibility and decrease the chance their scent will spook prey. But the stands also can be precarious perches if they’re used incorrectly or carelessly, hunting safety specialists say.
“Research has shown that one out of three hunters will fall from a tree stand sometime during his or her hunting career,” says Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the Department of Natural Resources.
Falls can be caused by a variety of factors, including a weakness in the stand’s structure, incorrect installation, failure to use a fall restraint device, and hunters dozing off while on the stand, Lawhern said.
Tree stands can also be a factor in other hunting incidents, such as when hunters shoot themselves while climbing trees with their guns, or when bow hunters fall on their arrows.
Lawhern recommends that hunters who plan on using tree stands follow these precautions to avoid accidents:
• Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them, and replace any worn or weak lumber before it breaks.
• Read, understand, and follow the factory recommended practices and procedures when installing commercial stands.
• Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts each time the stand is used;
• Use either a safety belt or harness.
• Use three points of contact while climbing into or out off the tree stand (two feet and one hand; two hands and one foot etc.).
• Use a haul line to raise and lower your equipment – and keep firearms unloaded and arrows in a covered quiver.
• Select a tree – one large enough to support your weight -- before the season. Some mishaps occur as hunters are hurrying to set up their stands on opening morning.
• Make sure someone else knows the location of your tree stand and knows when you will be hunting there.
• Stay awake.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317
Safe squirrel hunting begins with locating your target
By Tim Lawhern, Hunter Administrator for the Wisconsin DNR
Yes, some people still do hunt squirrels, and I’m one of them.
One of my favorite early season tactics is still hunting squirrels. To do this you have to creep quietly through the woods, taking only a few (three to five) steps at a time. Each step is conducted in slow motion; about the speed of flowing molasses in the winter time. This is best done just after a rain or early in the morning when the forest floor is damp.
You want to listen for any noise that might be made from a squirrel such as the swish of a branch made when a squirrel jumps from limb to limb. Listen for the sound of their toenails scraping as they climb. The sound of dropping nut shells is music to a squirrel hunters ears. When they are eating nuts you can hear them half way through the woodlot on a quiet day and they are not focused on watching for danger.
Along with listening you must watch for squirrels. Many times you can see them before they see you. I carry a pair of binoculars to verify what I’m seeing when hunting as all hunters should. Never use the scope on your firearm for that purpose. Once you’ve positively identified that what you thought was a squirrel actually is a squirrel you can then plan you shot.
Once the squirrel is spotted the game really heats up as you try to get in position without him seeing you. When the squirrel is not moving you should be very still. Move only when the squirrel is moving or cannot see you. The perfect shot is one where you have clear vision of the squirrel at close distance and a safe backstop for your bullet or pellets.
Some hunters just find a good feeding area where there are a lot of oak or hickory trees. Both of the nuts from these trees (acorns and hickory nuts) are favorite food sources of the squirrel. Sitting while squirrel hunting is just as hard as sitting while turkey hunting. Bring along something that will cushion your backside as you will likely be sitting for long periods of time without moving. Move only your eyes and if you have to turn your head you should do so very slowly. Follow the rules of safe hunting once a squirrel is sited and before you make the decision to shoot. Remember that there are other seasons like bow hunting for deer that might be going on at the same time and other hunters may be in the woods with you.
This is an excellent time of the year to practice many of the hunting skills you will need later in the year for deer or turkey hunting. It’s also not so cold in the field during squirrel season so you don’t have to dress to look like the Michelin man in order to be comfortable. Remember to know and practice the 4 basic rules of firearms safety every time you handle a firearm: TAB-K.
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Hunting squirrels can be an excellent way to kick-off the fall hunting season. Do your part and share the experience with other family members and friends. It’s a great time to be in Wisconsin’s great outdoors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317
