OUR VIEW: Please be safe out there

Firearms deer season starts this weekend, and it’s a Big Deal to many of us hunters. The camaraderie, tradition, and sport of deer hunting is a Minnesota institution. It’s often a family affair, with many children accompanying their parents on hunting trips; just as many of those parents went hunting with their parents. It’s a great time for bonding with family and friends while enjoying a bit of the great Minnesota outdoors.

A certain culture has developed around deer hunting, and it’s constantly evolving. It wasn’t too long ago that very few women went on the annual hunt, but in recent years the number of females who were issued licenses has increased significantly, and it’s sure to keep increasing.

We urge everyone caution when out hunting this season. Nearly every true hunter puts safety first, and teaches the newer hunters the importance of courtesy and respect for the immense power of a deer rifle and the potential danger. Guns aren’t toys; they are dangerous tools that can cause a lot of damage when not used properly.

Still, accidents happen. Whether it’s falling out of a deer stand, or getting lost in unfamiliar places, to more serious incidents like heart attacks and gun injury, we urge everyone to take safety seriously. Know your surroundings. Keep your loaded gun safe. Wear your colors. Enjoy your alcohol in moderation, but if you do imbibe too much, stay away from the guns and vehicles.

Firearm deer season only lasts 15 days. Let’s see everyone who goes out in the woods come back out of the woods, safely.

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