Hunting safely this season

With hunting season in full swing, it’s important to remember safe hunting practices. Especially after a couple of hunters got stranded in the Inman Canyon area in Bannock County Tuesday night.

The hunters got stranded when their pickup got stuck. After having trouble getting out, they called for help and waited where they were until it came. Idaho Fish and Game said they did exactly as they should have in that situation.

“Anytime you’re stranded or you’re lost, the number one thing to do is just stop. You need to just stay put,” said Jennifer Jackson, a regional conservation educator for Idaho Fish and Game.

One thing to do before even starting a trip is to let someone know where you’ll be and how long you’ll be out there.

“You might even go as far as setting up a check-in time with them,” Jackson said. “That way if they don’t hear from you they know to maybe be a little alarmed and do something about it.”

Sometimes it isn’t the hunting that causes the problem, but the vehicles you’re traveling in, as was the case with the Inman Canyon hunters. Jackson said it’s important to follow safety guidelines for operating vehicles, especially off-road ones.

A common thing even seasoned hunters overlook is knowing how to properly handle their hunting equipment.

“Take your time, slow down a little bit and really think things through. Those are going to be keys to making sure you’re safe and if you’re safe you’re going to be having a good time,” said Jackson.

Jackson also advises people to take things that don’t need batteries, like a compass, mainly because some hunting areas make a good signal hard to come by sometimes. Also, always prepare for an overnight trip, even if the plan is to only be out for a day.

Also, while hunter orange isn’t required for most hunting in Idaho, it does help prevent accidents.