Fluorescent orange will be the clothing color of choice across the region Monday, as hunters head to the woods for the opening of the annual deer season.
We urge hunters, and other area residents as well, to put safety first during the two-week season.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates that hundreds of thousands of hunters will don the orange, grab a rifle and head to the woods this year.
In addition to providing recreation (and fresh venison) for participants, deer hunting pumps millions of dollars into Pennsylvania’s economy. Deer season also is the game commission’s primary method of controlling deer populations.
“The efforts of hunters are far-reaching,” said game commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe, “and they help to keep deer populations in check and enable the agency to meet deer management goals that benefit almost everyone who resides, visits or travels through this state.”
Non-hunters should be aware of the season, even if they don’t participate.
Watch for hunters parking their cars along local roads, especially during early-morning hours when it is still dark.
Also, expect deer to be on the move as hunters are in the woods. More deer will be crossing roadways over the next two weeks.
Hunters are reminded of the basic rules, in place for their safety:
* You must wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined at all times while hunting.
* It is illegal to hunt, chase or disturb deer within 150 yards of any occupied building without the occupant’s permission when hunting with a firearm.
* If you shoot a deer, you must fill out the harvest tag and attach it to the deer’s ear before moving it.
* Always identify at what you are aiming, and know where other hunters are around you.
* If you have health concerns, avoid overexertion while hunting.
* If you shoot a deer, deliver it to a processing facility as quickly as possible to make sure the meat is fresh.
Special safety guidelines are offered to hunters who use tree stands:
* Use a fall-restraint device such as a strap or harness. The game commission estimates that 82 percent of tree-stand related deaths are the result of hunters not using belts or restraint devices.
* Avoid permanent stands, which can weaken with age, damage trees and are eyesores.
* Use stands certified by Treestand Manufacturers Association, which are tested to meet safety standards.
* Inspect all stands and climbing equipment before each use.
* Select only suitable trees. Avoid dead trees or those with loose bark.
* Use a haul line to pull up your gear. And make sure your firearm is unloaded and the muzzle is covered before pulling it up into your stand.
Have a safe and happy hunt!
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Hunters who bag a deer this season might consider donating all or a portion of the venison to Sharing the Harvest.
The statewide program, in place since 1991, allows hunters to donate meat to food banks and soup kitchens.
Each year, the program provides 200,000 meals to those who make use of such community agencies.
If you’ve followed the news, you know that the need is great and food is often in short supply.
To learn more about Sharing the Harvest, visit: http://sharedeer.org/.
