Game and Parks offers tips for hunting seasons

Pheasant, quail and partridge seasons are quickly approaching. Youth season is set for Oct. 19-20 and the general season opens Oct. 26.

Use these safety tips as you hit the fields this fall:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, and never assume it isn't.

• Always point the muzzle of your shotgun in a safe direction, away from people, structures, vehicles, roadways and any direction that could cause injury or damage.

• Be sure to identify your target, what's beyond it and what's in front of it. Don't swing your muzzle on game outside of your safe zone of fire.

• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard and safety on until you are ready to fire.

• Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. Put a game plan together with your group before your hunt so everyone knows where each other are during your hunt.

• Never cross a fence, ditch, waterway or other obstacles with a loaded shotgun. Be sure to unload your shotgun, action open, and safety on before handing it to someone else.

• Be sure you, your group and dogs are wearing hunter orange on your head, chest and back. Hunter orange has reduced hunting incidents by 80% since the 1970s and helps you and other hunters identify unsafe shooting scenarios in the field.

Hunters ages 12-29 are reminded that they must carry proof of successful completion of a hunter education course while hunting. Proof can be in the form of a valid permit containing the hunter's hunter education number, or a card or certificate issued by another state.