Nebraska Turkey Hunters Urged to Practice Safety

Nebraska Turkey Hunters Urged to Practice Safety

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – -(AmmoLand.com)- As the shotgun turkey season approaches, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters to be careful and safe while enjoying the experience of hunting for a turkey in Nebraska. The spring shotgun turkey hunting season begins April 18.

Turkey hunting largely is a safe sport. Nebraska issued approximately 45,000 permits to hunt the turkey in 2008 and only two incidents involved a turkey hunter being injured.

“The major cause of incidents where a turkey hunter is injured is basically the same year after year,” Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Streeter said. “It involves hunters shooting at what they think is a turkey when it is not, or when a shot is fired by one hunter finding another hunter that is behind or down range of the turkey.”

“Always identify the target as a turkey and always know for sure what is behind the target,” he said. “Never shoot at sound or movement. Never stalk what you think is a turkey. It most often will be another hunter. When in doubt, don’t shoot.”

Here are some additional safety principles:

– When on the move, show everyone blaze orange for safety.
– Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
– Always know where the muzzle is pointed.
– Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
– Unload guns when not in use.
– Never point a firearm at anything you don’t want to shoot.
– Never climb a fence or ditch creek or into a tree stand with a loaded firearm.
– Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
– Always store guns and ammunition in separate locked locations.
– Avoid alcoholic beverages, medication and mind-altering drugs before and while hunting.
– If you see another hunter stalking you, call out in a loud voice to alert them to your presence.
– Avoid the colors blue, red and white on you while hunting as they are turkey colors

About:
The mission of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is stewardship of the state’s fish, wildlife, park, and outdoor recreation resources in the best long-term interests of the people and those resources.