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Hunting accident reports reaffirm importance of hunter safety courses

[October 23, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- With the firearm hunting season just under a month away, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources issued its annual safety reminder to hunters and encouraged individuals who are planning to hunt to enroll in a hunting safety course.

"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.

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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]

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