justnorth posted on August 29, 2007 18:35 :: 1693 Views
MADISON – The 2007 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open at the start of shooting hours on September 15. The grouse population continues to climb as it is still on the upward side of this popular game bird’s 10-year population cycle and wildlife officials have increased the number of fall turkey permits to 94,800 from last year’s 90,600 as the wild turkey continues to expand its populations in Wisconsin.
Hunters need to keep safety in sight due to the nature of hunting these challenging game birds.
“There’s something very special about turkey and grouse hunting,” says Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the state Department of Natural Resources. Lawhern notes. “And with the enthusiasm that goes with this type of hunting, we should all be mindful of making sure we return home safe and sound at the end of each hunt.”
Here are some things Lawhern says hunters need to keep in mind when going afield after ruffed grouse and fall turkey:
- In grouse hunting, two is company and three is definitely a crowd. Any hunt with more than two will become difficult to manage from a safety aspect.
- Communicate. Grouse cover is thick and sometimes it will be difficult to see a hunting partner who might only be a few yards away.
- Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. Keep it simple. Know in advance how far and in what direction you will be going and when turns will be made.
- Advise someone else of where you will be hunting and when they should expect you back. Then, if something goes wrong, at least someone will know where to start looking.
- Know your safe zone of fire. If you are on the left, your safe zone is to the left and slightly forward. The opposite is the case if you are on the right. Always advance forward in unison and don’t get ahead or behind your partner.
- In heavy cover, shoot only at birds that are at least eight feet above the ground. Don't shoot at low birds that could have a hunter or a dog behind them!
- Wear blaze orange clothing and stay in visual contact with your partner at all times. If you lose sight of your partner stop hunting, call and listen until you locate each other.
- Turkey hunters need to be sure of their target - shooting into heavy brush without positive identification can lead to tragedy
- Follow the four basic rules of firearms safety: TAB+K.
- Treat every firearm as loaded;
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction;
- Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it;
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Grouse and turkey hunters also need to be aware that there might be other hunters afield at the same time after other types of game. Bow hunters may be perched in tree stands and other turkey hunters may be under a tree. Most of them will be wearing full camouflage and very hard to see.
Lawhern suggests hunters also consider wearing some type of eye protection. A good pair of clear or light colored safety glasses can go a long way toward avoiding injury to eyes and sight.
“Famed conservationist Aldo Leopold once wrote, ‘There are two kinds of hunting: ordinary hunting, and ruffed grouse hunting,’” Lawhern says. “Don’t let careless hunting practices spoil this special tradition.”
2007 Ruffed Grouse Season Dates:
Zone (A): Sept. 15–Jan 31, 2008
Zone (B): Oct. 20 – Dec. 8
2007 Fall Wild Turkey Season Dates:
Sept. 15 – Nov. 15
Grouse and turkey hunters should also note that during any gun or muzzleloader deer season, including the Oct. 6 - 7 Youth Deer Hunt, antlerless hunts and CWD hunts (see 2007 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations), Blaze Orange clothing is required. A hat, if worn, must be at least 50 percent blaze orange.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern - (608) 266-1317 Tim Lawhern, hunter safety, (608 266-1317 Scott Hull, grouse and turkey seasons (608) 267-7861
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