The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) emphasizes the importance of safety for hunters heading out for the gun deer season, which runs from November 23 through December 1. Hunters can help reduce accidents by following the four essential firearm safety rules:
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Be certain of your target, what’s before it, and what’s beyond it.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
This is summarized as TAB-K. Hunters are also reminded to follow all regulations and only shoot within legal hours. Those born on or after January 1, 1973, must have hunter education certification to obtain a license unless they are hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.
Additionally, hunters are required to wear at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink from the waist up during any open statewide firearm season. Non-hunters, especially those on public lands, are also encouraged to wear blaze orange or pink for added visibility.
To review safety practices or sign up for hunter education, visit the DNR’s website.