**KIRKLAND LAKE OPP NEWS RELEASE**

Hunting season is upon us and the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind all hunters that safety needs to be their first priority when heading out into the outdoors this fall. 

Some safety rules hunters are asked to keep in mind during hunting season: 

Hunting Safety Rules:

  • All hunters must wear solid hunter orange clothing (a minimum of 400 square inches or 2,580 square centimetres above the waist) and a hunter orange head cover during gun seasons for deer, moose and elk. Outside the gun seasons for deer, moose and elk these requirements also apply to bear hunters who are not hunting from a tree stand.
  • Handle firearms with care and attention at all times. 
  • Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what lies beyond it. 
  • It is illegal to shoot from a vehicle or carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle including on All Terrain Vehicle (ATV).
  • It is illegal to discharge a firearm from or across the travelled portion of a right of way for public vehicular traffic. In many parts of Ontario it is also illegal to have a loaded firearm, or discharge a firearm, in any part of the right of way.
  • Never drink alcohol and hunt.
  • If you hunt from a tree stand always wear a safety harness and use a rope to raise and lower your firearm.

 

General Safety:

  • Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will be returning.
  • Know the weather conditions in your hunting area and dress accordingly.                       
  • In an emergency, stay calm and stay put.
  • Avoid hypothermia. Know how to treat it if it strikes.
  • Keep rested, hydrated and well nourished.
  • Carry a survival kit and a small first aid kit with you at all times.
  • Know how to build a fire in all weather conditions and carry the supplies to start one.
  • Carry a map and compass or GPS unit and know how to use them.
  • Carry a fully charged cellular phone

 

“Safe hunting begins with firearms safety. Treat every firearm as loaded and always be sure of your target.  It’s important that everyone who takes part in this outdoor activity does so safely. I urge you to know and follow the safety rules when out hunting.” – Kirkland Lake OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Joel Breault.