THE GREAT OUTDOORS — The general archery buck deer and elk hunts start Aug. 15 and hunters can stay safe by following a few, simple rules.

Division of Wildlife Resources Hunter Education coordinator Kirk Smith said every year there are reports of archery hunters injuring themselves or others. Most of the accidents are a result of archers not being safe in tree stands or having arrows out of their quiver before they're ready to shoot them, Smith said.

Here are some safety tips and reminders from Smith to help hunters avoid accidents:

Tree stands

• If you're going to hunt from a tree stand, make sure the tree and stand are big enough to hold your weight. It is recommended to leave your bow, arrows and other equipment on the ground while you climb the tree and attach a haul line to them.
• Be sure to use a safety harness (also known as a fall arrest system) while you are in the tree stand.

• Use a portable tree stand rather than a permanent one, as permanent stands can deteriorate overtime and become unsafe. Permanent tree stands also clutter the landscape and can damage or kill trees. Permanent stands are illegal in national forests or on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Utah. Arrows and equipment

• Until you are ready to shoot, keep your arrows in a quiver that has a hood to cover the broadheads. State law requires that arrows be kept in a case while the arrows are in or on a vehicle.
• Make sure the laminations on your bow are not flaking or separating and make sure the strings on your bow are not fraying.
• If you have a compound bow, make sure the pulleys and cables are in good shape before the hunt.

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7 tips to increase success, safety for hunters this fall

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.

1. Make sure your arrow's spline (the stiffness of the arrow's shaft) matches the draw weight of your bow. If your bow's draw weight produces more force than your arrow can handle, your arrow will probably fly off target. 2. When you sharpen your broadhead arrows, take your time and be very careful so you don't cut yourself. Broadheads should be razor sharp. 3. Practice shooting as much as possible and use the same broadheads that you'll use during the hunt. Education and preparation

1. Avoid hunting in areas that a lot of people use, and whenever possible, avoid hunting near heavily-used trails.
2. Obtain written permission from private landowners before hunting on their property or using their property to access public land.
3. Do your research before the hunt and become familiar with the unit you are hunting on. Know the boundaries of limited-entry units and other restricted areas in the area.
4. Never take a shot at a deer or an elk that is further than you're comfortable shooting at.
5. Before you release your arrow, make sure of your target and what's beyond it.
6. It is recommended to take the DWR Bowhunter Education Class before your hunt.
7. If you are hunting the Ogden, Wasatch Front, West Cache or Uintah Basin extended archery areas, you are required to complete the DWR Archery Ethics Course.

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