Wearing this color and following these hunting rules may save your life, experts say

Hunting season across the country is in full swing, and experts are offering safety tips to avoid accidents.

Be visible to other hunters

While there may be an urge to opt for camouflage colors while hunting, experts say deer can’t tell the difference between bright colors like orange and red and camouflage favorites like green and brown.

According to Mass.gov, wearing bright orange can save your life and allow you to hunt safely.

In fact, most states require hunters to wear a certain amount of “blaze orange” while they are hunting. Make sure to check out the requirements for your state before heading out.

Also, if you’re bringing along a canine friend, make sure they’re outfitted with some orange to keep them safe too.

Even if you aren’t hunting, Mass.gov advises anyone in the woods to always wear bright orange to avoid accidents.

If you aren’t hunting, make some noise

While it may seem strange, the Forest Service recommends non-hunters sing, talk or just make some noise if they are walking through the woods or another hunting area.

“Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement,” the Forest Service says.

But once you make yourself known to hunters in the area, don’t make unnecessary noise to scare away wildlife, the Forest Service says.

Watch your step

According to the Mayo Clinic, falls from a hunting stand are common injuries while hunting.

Hunters can be startled by an animal and fall about 15 feet from the stand, which can cause broken bones, paralysis and more injuries, the clinic says.

Protect your heart

Your heart may be at risk during hunting season. The Mayo Clinic reports one study found middle-aged men participating in activities crucial to hunting saw their heart rates significantly increased.

The clinic says exercising at “more than 85% of a person’s maximum heart rate” can increase the odds of a heart attack. It also advised that hunters not used to a lot of physical activity should take multiple breaks.

Treat your weapon as if it’s locked and loaded

This one is crucial: Before putting your finger on the trigger, identify your target clearly. The University of Missouri tells hunters to never just shoot at a sound. When your hear something, assume it’s another hunter until you actually see an animal.

The Mayo Clinic says to treat every firearm “like it’s loaded” and to only put your finger on the trigger when you’re ready to shoot.

Above all, be educated

According to the University of Missouri, the state requires each hunter born after 1966 to take a hunting education course.

Since the law was passed, hunting accidents and deaths in Missouri have decreased by 70%.

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