Editor’s Note: This article contains biological information of animals and detailed information about how to clean a deer which may be uncomfortable for some readers.THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a first-timer, there are several practices that are tried-and-true for increasing effectiveness and safety as a hunter. The general rifle buck deer hunt begins Oct. 18, and if you are hoping to bring down that giant buck this year or you are wanting to know what to expect on your first hunt, here are a few tips.

Be familiar with how your gun works and shoots

Before you go out on your hunt, you need to practice shooting with the rifle you are going to use. Jeremy Chamberlain has served as a hunting guide for Color Country Outfitters for 16 years and emphasized the importance of being familiar with your gun, sighting in the scope and making sure it shoots straight before you ever aim it at a deer.

“So many people that we hunt with on the ranch, they don’t ever shoot their gun,” Chamberlain said. “So when it comes time to find the animal in the scope, they can’t. Shooting the gun (regularly) will help you acquire your target quicker.”

Division of Wildlife hunter education coordinator Kirk Smith said hunters need to make sure they pack the correct ammunition for their rifle and know how to load and unload the firearm prior to the hunt. Smith also said hunters should never carry a loaded firearm in their vehicle and should never point the gun at anything they don’t intend to shoot.

Use a pair of binoculars

Glassing can save a lot of time and energy. Rather than hiking or driving around for hours, sitting still and scouting the hillside with a pair of binoculars will be much more effective, Chamberlain said.

“Most people think they’ve got to beat the brush and get out and hike and hike and hike, when you can actually get a good vantage point and glass and be more productive,” he said.

Dress appropriately

Hunters should also be prepared with the proper clothing. Hunters should always check the weather before leaving for the hunt and wear layers to be prepared for cold October mornings and hot afternoons. Along with camouflage, hunters need to wear at least 400-square inches of orange, according to DWR.

Scout the area before the hunt and know directions

A critical part of hunter safety is being familiar with the area you are hunting. Color Country Outfitters hunting guide Skyler Richards said people need to make sure they know their directions to prevent getting lost while hiking during the hunt. Hunters should also always tell someone where they are hunting and they should never hunt alone.

Hunters should always scout the area before they go hunting there, Chamberlain said. Scouting can help hunters learn the pattern of the deer so they are easier to locate. Scouting also helps hunters locate options for water, shelter and where they receive cell phone service in the event of an emergency.

Know how to properly clean a deer

Most people clean the deer before they move it because draining the blood makes the animal lighter and easier to carry, Chamberlain said. A general cleaning method is to start the incision at the deer’s rectum and cut up to the sternum. Hunters can then continue the incision up to deer’s windpipe and pull the heart, lungs and guts out at the same time, Chamberlain said.

Hunters should use a sharp knife while cleaning the deer and should always cut away from themselves, Smith said. Never bring a knife blade towards your body while cutting.

Hunters should also keep the animal cool and dry to help preserve the meat.

Always have a first-aid kit and emergency tools available

Hunters need to always have a first-aid kit available in case of emergency. DWR recommends including bandages, a cord or rope, a compass or GPS unit, a flashlight, quick-energy snack foods and three ways to make a fire.

People should also carry a shovel, an ax, tire chains, jumper cables and a tow rope in their vehicle. Sudden snowstorms or muddy conditions can occur during hunting and hunters should always be prepared. If you are snowed in or your truck doesn’t start, always stay with your vehicle, DWR says.

Always be aware of where other hunters are

If you are hunting in a public area, especially one that is popular, be aware of where other hunters are at all times. Before you shoot, be aware of what is beyond your target and where your bullet might go in case you do miss, Chamberlain said. Many hunting accidents each year are the result of accidental shootings due to negligence.

“That deer is just not as important as someone else’s safety,” Chamberlain said. “You’ve got to know where your bullet might go.”

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