With Michigan’s firearm deer season starting on Nov. 15, Michigan Tech students and outdoor enthusiasts in the UP need to take some extra precautions before going out to explore the local trails and forests. During this time period, heightened awareness and safety measures can help ensure safe outdoor experiences for everyone.
According to Craig Bubolz, a retired hunting safety instructor, the most effective way to improve your safety in the woods is to wear blaze orange or any other bright colors. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, or hunter, it is important to ensure that you can be seen from a distance. While most people are generally concerned about the main gun season that runs from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30 in Michigan, it is still important to take safety precautions for the other late firearm seasons that are open in certain areas of the state. These include the muzzleloading season, which is open from Dec. 6 to Dec. 15, and the late antlerless firearm season, which is open from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1.
In addition to wearing high-visibility clothing, students are encouraged to stay on designated trails and avoid venturing into known hunting areas this time of year. “Most hunters are aware of where the popular hiking trails are and will avoid those areas, but if you go off-trail or just randomly into the woods, it becomes more difficult to ensure everyone’s safety,” says Jeff Herzog, a member of the Reedsville Sportsman’s Club. For Tech students, a safe option to explore the outdoors this time of year is the Tech Trails, as hunting is prohibited on Tech’s property. The Mi-HUNT website is also a good tool for determining what land is open to public hunting.
The time of day you choose to explore the outdoors can also be an essential factor in your safety. Deer tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, which draws the most hunters to be out during that time. Planning activities for the middle of the day can reduce the chances of encountering hunters, as well as avoiding low visibility at dawn and dusk.
As a reminder to hunters, anyone handling a firearm must not be under the influence of any substance. Before leaving, check your guns for obstructions and clean them before usage. When going for your hunting spot, always communicate with others, whether in a group or solo. This communication should include the location of the hunting spot, the time of departure, and an estimate of when they will return. In addition, other forms of communication, such as a walkie-talkie, radio, or even a whistle, are important in an emergency. Once done, have safety on when transporting the gun by hand or vehicle. Finally, always assume the guns are loaded and always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction to reduce accidents.
For newcomers to the UP, the deer firearm season can be an unfamiliar experience, but with the proper precautions, outdoor exploration can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.
