 "Enrolling in a hunter safety
course and understanding proper hunting technique is essential to
being successful in the field," said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.
"When hunters take the step to become certified, they're renewing
their commitment to be responsible sportsmen and serve as a positive
role model for young hunters who are following in their footsteps."
The IDNR offers free hunting safety courses to the public. The
courses are taught by volunteer safety instructors and include
instruction on hunting regulations, hunter ethics and
responsibility, archery, firearms, ammunition, first aid, wildlife
identification, and conservation. A minimum of 10 hours of
instruction is involved.
Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980,
must successfully complete a hunter safety course before a regular
Illinois hunting license is issued. Those who complete the course
and pass the final exam receive a certificate of competency. Last
year, nearly 17,000 students completed the course.
"Most hunting accidents can be prevented if hunters act smart and
responsibly. That includes completing a hunting safety course and
having a good understanding of the hunting regulations," said Rafael
Gutierrez, director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement. "With
nearly 300,000 hunters planning to be in the field this season,
following these simple steps can help ensure this hunting season is
a safe and enjoyable one.
[to top of second column]
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 In 2006, there were 30 hunting-related accidents, with two being
fatal. Of those, 14 were Class A accidents, involving the discharge
of a hunting device. In the 16 remaining accidents reported last
year, hunters were injured by either falling out of a tree stand or
climbing a tree to get into or out of a tree stand.
"IDNR safety instructors encourage hunters to always use a full
body safety harness when installing or using a tree stand. Hunters
should also make sure their tree stand is installed properly and
that they use a haul line to raise an unloaded firearm or bow into a
stand," said Jeff Hopkins, IDNR safety education administrator.
The 30 hunting-related accidents last year compares with 31
accidents and two fatalities reported in Illinois in 2005 and 33
accidents reported in 2004. The IDNR issued nearly 300,000 hunting
licenses last year.
For more information on hunter safety education courses and the
complete schedule of IDNR safety education programs, call
1-800-832-2599 or check
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/education/
safety/index.htm.
Reminder: Some IDNR-managed areas that are open to firearm deer
hunting are closed to all non-hunters during the weekends of Nov.
16-18 and Nov. 29-Dec. 2. For more details, visitors are encouraged
to contact the site office in advance of visiting on those weekends.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Natural Resources file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information] |
