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Hunters: Keep safety on track by avoiding railroad right of way
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Pheasants
Forever encourages safe hunting practices this season
[October 16, 2007]
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- With many states' hunting
seasons now open or opening soon, Pheasants Forever urges hunters to
avoid railroads' rights of way this hunting season.
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 Often a nostalgic feature in wildlife prints, areas along railroad
tracks have long been a favorite of pheasant, turkey and whitetail
deer hunters. But hunting near railroad tracks isn't only hazardous,
it's also illegal."Last year, 517 people have died while
trespassing on railroad property," said Dennis Jenson, assistant
vice president and chief of police for Union Pacific. "As hunters
head outdoors this year, we want to remind them that walking along
the railroad's right of way is extremely dangerous because you never
know when a train will come along. It is also against the law."
Trespassers on a railroad right of way are subject to arrest for
violating trespassing laws and can face jail time and a fine.
"Safety is a priority. We issue citations and-or arrest
trespassers because we are trying to protect people from getting
hurt or killed," Jenson said. Through August, 26,461 people have
been caught trespassing on railroad property. Trespassers on the
railroad's right of way are subject to arrest for violating
trespassing laws and can face jail time and a fine.
"The 2007 pheasant hunting season should be one of the best in
recent memory," said Howard Vincent, president and chief executive
officer of Pheasants Forever, "but in all the excitement, we must
never compromise safety in the field. Pheasants Forever members have
long led by example, but with the annual arrival of season-openers,
it bears repeating: Be a hunter that's knowledgeable in the laws,
ethics and conservation values of our sport. And remember, a safe
hunt is always a successful hunt, empty game bag or not."
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 Helpful safety tips for hunters
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Treat every gun as
if it were loaded.
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Always keep your
muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
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Know your target
and what is beyond.
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Wear hunter orange.
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Always use nontoxic
shot for migratory birds.
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Always ask
permission before going onto private land.
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Become familiar
with your state's signage system. Know what signs indicate a
state wildlife management area or federal waterfowl production
area open to public hunting.
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PF's orange
"Habitat" signs do not indicate public property.
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Always consult
state agencies for hunting rules and regulations before taking
to the field.
To find your state's wildlife agency, go to
www.pheasantsforever.org.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are nonprofit conservation
organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of
pheasant, quail and other wildlife populations in North America
through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness and
education. The two organizations together have more than 115,000
members in 700 local chapters across the continent.
[Text from file received from
Pheasants Forever]
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