Pheasants Forever Reminds Hunters to be Safe, Courteous, and Aware
Landowners, Companions, Dogs, and Your Safety are More Important than a Bagged Rooster

St. Paul, Minn. – Pheasants Forever (PF) reminds hunters to be safe, courteous, and aware as pheasant hunting seasons open this month.  Over 2.5 million U.S. hunters will take to the fields in search of the ring-necked pheasant this fall.  While pheasant populations vary greatly from state-to-state, hunters across the upper Midwest expect to see good pheasant numbers.

With expectations high, it is important to go over the basics of hunter’s safety with every member of your hunting party.  First, treat every gun as if it were loaded.  Second, always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.  And, third, know your target and beyond.  PF reminds pheasant hunters to always wear hunter orange and be especially cautious when using blockers at the end of fields. 

“A rooster busting out of a thicket can give anyone a jolt,” explains Rick Young, PF’s vice president of field operations.  “But, no matter how excited you get, it’s important to remember safety.  A safe hunt is a successful hunt, no matter how many birds are bagged.  As always, hunters should be familiar with the rules and regulations of the state in which they are hunting and we do recommend using non-toxic shot during all hunts.” 

In addition to being safe, PF reminds hunters to be courteous and ask permission before hunting private lands.  “Many landowners will grant permission to hunters if approached with a friendly request,” reports Howard Vincent, PF’s president and CEO.  “Be especially respectful of working farmers and their equipment.  That’s their livelihood, so be sure not to impede them from doing their work.  You should also consider sharing your harvest with the landowner.”

PF also advises hunters to be aware of the potential for discovering narcotic labs as they hunt the rural countryside.  In recent years, pheasant hunters have stumbled upon meth labs and waste products.  Meth is generally cooked outdoors in remote places.  If a hunter finds a backpack, gas can, thermos, cooler, box, bucket, or any other “out-of-place” item in the middle of nowhere, PF recommends that it be left alone and that the authorities be contacted.  Materials used to make meth may cause burns or respiratory problems if the waste products are touched or inhaled. 

“We definitely don’t want to make a bigger deal out of this than it is,” explains Vincent.  “This isn’t a wide-spread occurrence.  However, hunters should at least be aware of the possible existence of meth labs in rural areas.”

Also, PF reminds hunters to take good care of hunting dogs.  Last year, South Dakota hunters lost many dogs as a result of heat during 90-degree weather and from contaminated stagnant water.  In light of those terrible outcomes, PF asked long-time supporter Purina PetCare for recommendations. 

“Dog owners should regularly exercise their dog before hunting season, get their dog into the vet before the season for a thorough health check, and be sure to have water available while hunting,” advises Bob West, Purina’s director of breeder enthusiast sporting groups and a professional dog trainer. “Pay attention to your dog while hunting.  Abnormal behavior and less-than-normal animation can be early signs of fatigue or heat stress; indications that your dog may be in trouble.  Also, carry clean fresh water with you to keep your dog hydrated and to flush their mouth for better cooling.  At the end of hunting, don’t give your dog free access to water until it has rested some and stopped panting.  Essentially, do what you can to get your dog in good shape before season, pay special attention to overweight dogs, and if there is any doubt of apparent heat stress, get the dog to a Veterinarian.”

PF is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education.  Such efforts benefit landowners and wildlife alike.  Pheasants Forever has more than 108,000 members in over 600 local chapters across the continent.