Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters are urged to be safe when they take to the field for spring turkey hunting. As of April 13, spring turkey season is open to hunters using archery equipment and shotguns. The season closes May 31.
The main cause of turkey hunting incidents each year is when a hunter does not identify the target or know what is beyond it. This can result in one hunter accidentally shooting another.
“Always identify the target as a turkey and always know for sure what is behind the target,” said Mike Streeter, hunter education coordinator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Never shoot at sound or movement. Never stalk what you think is a turkey; it will most often be another hunter. When in doubt do not shoot.”
Streeter has the following additional safety tips:
— Wear blaze orange so other hunters will see you. Avoid wearing blue, red and white because they are colors common to turkeys.
— If you see another hunter stalking you, call out to alert him to your presence.
— Treat the shotgun as if it were loaded, keep it clear of obstructions and never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot.
— Unload firearms when not in use and store them and ammunition in separate locations under lock and key.
