Hunting And Outdoor Sports
DWR encourages safe practices as deer season enters final days
DWR encourages safe practices as deer season enters final days
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Accomack and Northampton Counties, Virginia
As Virginia’s general firearms deer season approaches its conclusion, with the season closing on January 3 in Accomack and Northampton counties, hunters on the Eastern Shore are urged to prioritize safety during these final days. This period traditionally sees an increase in hunting activity, as families take advantage of the holidays to spend time outdoors. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is proactively reminding hunters to maintain their focus on safety practices to ensure a rewarding and safe experience.
Jimmy Mootz, DWR’s Hunter Education and Outreach Team Lead, emphasizes the importance of safety during these bustling days. "During the holidays, Virginians tend to have time off, often hunting and spending time in the woods," he said. “We want everyone to enjoy that time, harvest a deer, and make it back home safe and sound.” The DWR has noted that while hunting incidents are still low, there has been a concerning trend of increased injuries this year, heightening the significance of vigilance among hunters.
Especially common on the Eastern Shore as the season closes are deer drives, where groups of hunters coordinate to move deer toward designated shooters. While this practice is legal and an integral part of local hunting culture, it requires heightened awareness and clear communication among hunters to ensure safety. The DWR has outlined several important safety recommendations:
• Take a hunter safety course
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Always wear blaze orange
• Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it
• Take only clean, ethical shots
• Use proper safety procedures when hunting from elevated positions
Additionally, for those utilizing tree stands or saddles, the DWR promotes an effective safety approach encapsulated in the acronym “ABCD”:
A — Always inspect your equipment and practice at ground level.
B — Buckle a full-body safety harness.
C — Connect to the tree before leaving the ground.
D — Destination: share your stand location with someone.
“Hunting in Virginia continues to be a safe and rewarding pastime, bringing families together, promoting conservation, and feeding communities,” Mootz noted. As the season’s end draws near, preparedness, patience, and safety are emphasized as essential components, particularly as the influx of hunters increases for one last opportunity to hunt before the season's closure.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources encourages hunters to ensure they have a valid license and to revisit current local regulations as these can change annually. Safety is paramount, particularly during this time when more hunters are in the field, using this opportunity to bond with families and partake in a cherished tradition.
ShoQ’s Take: As with any hunting season, the focus on safety cannot be overstated. The increase in hunting-related injuries this year is concerning and serves as a reminder for hunters to stay vigilant and adhere strictly to safety protocols. The DWR’s efforts to encourage education and safety measures could lead to a more secure environment for all hunters. With the season's end approaching, let’s hope for a safe and successful close for all who participate in this time-honored pursuit; it remains a vital part of many Virginians' traditions and lifestyles.