Deer season is no longer months away. For some the countdown to the opener is now measured in days, or even hours by those who categorize an approaching deer season in the same light as ringing in the New Year.

One of the first things to accomplish well before the eve of opening day is to find your license. I know that's rather elementary advice when your deer-hunting thoughts are more likely focused on strategies for bagging that big buck, but odds are that if you can't locate your tag right now, you'll still be searching when the season opens.

And when you do make that double-check, take a few extra seconds to remove the license from the envelope and verify that the details are correct. While mistakes are rare, they do happen and can be corrected before Nov. 9.

There is also time to get a replacement license if you turn your house upside-down and still can’t find it. To get a replacement license requires filling out a paper application. You can get the replacement license form by calling the Game and Fish Department Bismarck office at 701.328.6300. They are also available for download at the Department’s website at www.gf.nd.gov.

Next, if you haven't picked up your rifle since last fall, try to find time to sight it in. Any time is better than after you've taken to the field and have an opportunity at a deer.

As with any hunting outing, make safety a priority. Remember that the best outdoors excursions end safely at home. Beginning with planning the trip, whether it’s a half-day After work, or several days at deer camp, write down an itinerary before you leave.

Make sure your friends and family know how to find you in case of emergency. They should know when to expect you home, and where to begin looking if you don’t show up.
In addition to a plan, make sure to have a first aid kit, and any medicine and other basic necessities along in a gear pack.

Safety Afield
While wearing seat belts is a law, I’ve encountered many other hunters who for some unknown reason don’t use seat belts when hunting. I think it’s an advanced stage of the “it can’t happen to me,” syndrome which tends to snowball into other lapses of good judgment.

In my former work as a game warden, I encountered many deer hunters whose actions indicated they had left their common sense at home. Loaded firearms in a motor vehicle during deer season are illegal. Shooting from a vehicle is also illegal. Yet, some people who call themselves hunters routinely jeopardize their own safety by driving around with loaded guns.

Wearing of blaze orange is also the law and it exists to keep hunters safe. But a few hunters every year put themselves in danger by going afield without the required visible clothing. I’ve observed many nonhunters sporting blaze orange hats and vests across the prairie, and wonder why any hunter would choose not to adhere to the rule requiring solid blaze orange clothing covering 440 square inches above your waist.

Every fall I hear an earful of complaints about posting signs being torn down, signs shot and assorted other problems. The people who do these things are not hunters, they are simply vandals.

As you hunt, if you see others breaking the law, write down the pertinent facts. A license plate and description of who did what will help law enforcement prosecute the violators. Next, call the proper authorities right away. The statewide Report All Poachers hotline is 800-471-2121.

Waiting until winter, or until the next time you see a game warden won’t solve the problem.

The Hunt
While scouting and hunting, make sure you’re 440 yards away from any occupied building, and also double-check an area for any other hunting parties you may have not seen.

As your crew begins hunting, plan in advance where each of you will begin, the direction you’ll walk, and where you’ll meet up, ensuring that nobody will cross into another’s line of fire.

Finally, before you squeeze the trigger, remember the golden rule of hunter safety. Know your target and what’s beyond. If it’s not a safe shot, breathe out, stand down and tell yourself there’ll be another opportunity. 

After a successful hunt, tag the animal immediately. It’s the law and you’ll be hard pressed to convince a warden that “immediately” is after the deer’s already in the truck and you’ve taken pictures. Besides, carrying your license with you, and following the rules will speed up any check by a game warden so you can continue on your hunt.

Staying safe and following the rules and regulations will go a long way to ensure “buck fever” doesn’t ruin the 2007 deer season. It should be a great year.

Doug Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email: dleier@nd.gov