Outdoor Safety: Essential Safety Tips for Fishing and Hunting Enthusiasts

Hunting and fishing are time-honored traditions in Texas, offering both adventure and bonding time for families. While these outdoor activities can be exciting, they also come with their share of risks. At Physicians Premier, we’re committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe. Let’s dive into some important outdoor safety tips for hunters and anglers alike.

Hunting Safety Tips

• Know your gear. Being unfamiliar with your gear is like driving a car without knowing the brakes. Make sure you understand how to use your hunting equipment before you venture out.
• Visibility matters. Think of visibility as your outdoor resume; you want to be noticed but in the right way. Wearing bright orange vests makes you visible to other hunters, reducing accidental incidents.
• Communication is key. Before setting off, tell someone your location and estimated time of return. Think of this as your outdoor safety net — it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Gun Safety

• Treat every gun as loaded. The first rule of gun safety is to treat every gun as if it’s loaded. This is the golden rule – consider it the seatbelt of hunting.
• Point away. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Imagine the muzzle as a laser pointer; whatever it points at is at risk.
• Finger off the trigger. Keep your finger away from the trigger until ready to shoot. Think of the trigger like the last piece of a puzzle; don’t touch it until you’re absolutely sure.

Tree Stand Safety

• Harness up.  Always wear a safety harness that meets TMA standards when in a tree stand. Consider it your vertical seatbelt — non-negotiable for your safety.
• Always have a buddy assist you with installing and maintaining your tree stand – going solo isn’t an option. Inspect steps and straps regularly, replacing any parts that appear worn or damaged.
• Wearing a harness in the tree stand is non-negotiable for safety.
• Use a rope to hoist your unloaded firearms or bow.
• Keep a cell phone on hand; if you take a tumble, you’ll need it to call for assistance.
• Check your equipment. Before each use, inspect your tree stand and harness for wear and tear. Even small defects can compromise safety.
• No lone climbing. Avoid climbing into or out of the tree stand with equipment in hand. Use a rope to hoist or lower equipment.

Fishing Safety Tips

• Know the waters. Being unfamiliar with the water is like navigating without a map. Check weather conditions and be aware of water currents before setting off.
• Sun protection is vital. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Consider this your outdoor uniform.

Boating Safety

• Just as you wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt, don’t boat without a life jacket. It’s your water-bound safety net.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Boating under the influence is not just illegal; it’s a recipe for disaster.
• Ensure your boat is equipped with a first aid kit and all necessary fishing supplies.
• Familiarize yourself with the boat’s rescue gear, such as flares, floatation devices, and life jackets.
• Avoid overloading the boat and distribute weight evenly for stability.
• Steer clear of low-water dams and restricted zones.
• Consult weather forecasts before setting sail; avoid the water if storms are predicted.
• Life jackets are mandatory onboard, not optional.
• If boating at night, activate your boat lights to make yourself visible to others.

Tackle Safety

• Fishing tackle can be sharp and hazardous. Store tackle in a tackle box and handle it with care. Think of it as a kitchen knife—useful but potentially dangerous.
• Keep an eye on your hooks, especially when casting. You wouldn’t swing a sharp object around others in a kitchen; apply the same caution here.

Safety first should be your mantra for any outdoor adventure. Hunting and fishing are excellent ways to enjoy nature and spend time with loved ones, but only if done safely. Should an accident occur, remember that Physicians Premier, your San Antonio ER, is always here for you, 24/7, offering top-notch emergency care close to home.

By prioritizing outdoor safety, you ensure that your outdoor experiences continue to be enriching and accident-free.

Sources:

“11 tips for keeping safe during hunting season,” Mayo Clinic Health System, https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-keeping-safe-during-hunting-season
“Tips for Staying Safe While Hunting,” MU Health Care, https://www.muhealth.org/our-stories/tips-staying-safe-while-hunting
“Reel It In: Be Prepared for a Successful Fishing Day,” National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/articles/fishing-safety.htm
“Fishing – preventing injury,” Better Health Channel, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fishing-preventing-injury