How to enjoy the outdoors, and stay safe, during Wisconsin's hunting seasons

While hunting accidents remain low in Wisconsin, it's important for anyone trying to enjoy the state's great outdoors in fall to be considerate and watchful of others especially as many of Wisconsin's hunting seasons get underway.

Here's how you can stay safe.

Be aware of Wisconsin's various hunting seasons

Recreators should be aware that hunting seasons for various game are taking place across the state. It can be a good idea to wear blaze orange or a different bright color when recreating so that you are easily seen by a potential hunter, according to Lt. Michael Weber, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hunter education administrative warden.

Are there places people should avoid this time of year or during specific times?

"I can’t think of anything specifically," Weber said. "Many times people use public property for a variety of reasons including hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, bird watching, etc. It’s important to be respectful of others no matter what type of activity you are partaking in this fall."

What are some things hunters should remember when going out on public land?

Hunters should always be following and practicing the four main rules of firearm safety, otherwise known as TAB-K:

• T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• B - Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
• K - Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.

More:Deer hunting has gotten safer in Wisconsin but vigilance is always necessary

Are there any safety tips for people with pets?

Make sure to follow pet laws on whatever public property you may be on like certain properties may have leash laws. It’s important to never let your pets roam unattended whether hunting season is occurring or not. You could always utilize a bright colored safety vest for pets as well to make them more visible, Weber said.

How often are there accidents that occur with hunters and other recreators?

Weber said that since the creation of the state's hunter education program in 1967, the number of hunting incidents throughout the state has declined 95%. Plus, incidents are very sporadic. In 2022, there were a total of 12 incidents involving people being shot. In 2023, only five incidents have been reported as of the start of November.

"Of the hunting incidents that have occurred in recent years, most of them are self-inflicted or same hunting party incidents," Weber said.

You can find all hunting incident reports on the DNR website.

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.