Hunting is a thrilling experience, but it can also be a dangerous exploit. It can take a turn for the worse when the hunter becomes the hunted. This activity also became controversial as james hetfield bear hunting created an issue.
Nevertheless, it is proper always to have the right equipment and authority clearance when hunting to be well protected. There are five safety tips when bear hunting you can take to further protect yourself and those around you.
Notification of personnel
The first safety protocol you should take when bear hunting is notifying the local authorities. This happens when you are applying for your licenses and permits. You should also inform a close loved one and friends the particular location where you will be hunting from as well as the time you will be going and coming back. This lets them know when to expect to have you back.
Be in company
To enhance protection; it is important you have company when going bear hunting. This company helps you watch each other’s backs. Bears are dangerous animals and are notoriously aggressive when they feel threatened. Move in two’s or three’s, and you will be safe. Hunting solo is not the best idea because it leaves you to prawn to other hunters as well, who may take you for an animal in your camouflage.
Be scentless
A bear’s sense of sight may be weak, but it makes up for it with an acute sense of smell. This is one of the safety tips when bear hunting to be aware of. It can easily track you down by the deodorant you use or the scented soap you bathed in. Do your best to leave all scented toiletries alone while hunting. Here, it is important to note that your sleeping area in your camp should also be free of any odor. Keep your food and toiletries away from the camp site. They should be hang up in a tree away from predators as well. This keeps you safe in case a bear tracks down your camp as it will only be after the food.
In line with this, remember to change your clothes after cooking because your clothes will carry the lingering smell of food. You should also keep all litter and leftovers in a closed container to prevent the smell from attracting unwanted guests.
Shoot to kill
Wounded bears are at their most dangerous. Therefore, take the time to perfect your killing shot so as to take out the bear as fast as possible. Aim for the center of the chest cavity to take it out. When you have made your shot, ascertain that the bear is indeed down before you approach it too close. If the bear is still on the move, be sure to follow closely because it may not leave such a solid blood trail to follow.
Be sure it is a bear
Sometimes camouflage may fool you into thinking your fellow hunter is a bear. Also be sure that what you are aiming at is a bear by confirming with a pair of binoculars. If uncertain you would rather not shoot and make a mistake. This is one of the important reasons to hunt in the safety of numbers. You will be sure to be safe when you follow these five safety tips when bear hunting.