Public health official: Hunters should heed cold temperatures

Nov. 20--With the opening of general deer season this month, it's an especially timely reminder for hunters, who often suit up to stay warm, then overheat -- often sweating -- to practice safety.

"It is very important for our hunters to understand the environment they are in," said Chris Taylor, executive director for Cherokee County Public Health. "Dressing warmly is important, but it is equally important to remember to keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing combined with sudden drops in temperature can be a real problem. Hunters should bring dry clothes and keep them close by to ensure that wet clothing can be removed as soon as possible. This need becomes more important the more quickly and sharply the temperature drops," he said, pointing out that hypothermia can occur even at temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Officials from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department agree, noting in the agency's website, www.tpwd.texas.gov, "your choice of clothing and how you wear it can have a major impact on your hunt.

"Being properly dressed for the weather conditions will make you more comfortable and reduce risks of adverse reactions," it states, reiterating Taylor's suggestion to carry extra clothing and rain gear to allow a person to adapt to changes in weather, using a layering strategy for optimal use.

"Another important choice is to include a jacket or vest, along with a hat in daylight fluorescent hunter orange," which allows for personal safety, the site states.

Hunters also should prepare by bringing along appropriate blankets, as well as be aware of a need for increased fluid intake to off-set sweating.

"The more clothing you wear to warm up, the more you may sweat. High-calorie foods such as chocolate and peanuts help provide quick energy and aids your body in producing heat," he said.

Other good tips for preparation are to "carefully plan your hunting trip and always take more than you think you need of important resources, like water and food," Taylor added. "It's better to have too much, than not enough."

Also, be aware that cell phones are not always in range when hunting, so make sure to alert your family as to where you will be and what time you expect to return, he said, adding, "traveling with other hunters is always a good idea."

The state site also recommends carrying guides that provide directional aid, such as maps or GPS devices, as well as sharing a written hunting plan that lists individuals who are part of the excursion and their contact information, along with the location of the hunt and when the party expects to return.

"It should also list an EMS address for the property, GPS coordinates if known, vehicle descriptions, contact information of the property owner and contact information of the local game warden or sheriff," the site states.

A PDF of the hunting plan can be downloaded from www.tpwd.texas.gov.

By carefully planning an outing, and polishing safety and survival skills, hunters can "safely endure most adverse situations," according to the site.

The website offers a list of Ten Commandments of Shooting Safety, noting that "whenever a firearm is involved with any activity, there is a potential for an accident to occur when the firearm is not handled responsibly.

"How to be a safe hunter is not something you learn once," the site adds, noting that "hunting safety should be an ongoing development of skills and attitude over the lifetime of the hunter."

When hunting, keep in mind to:

--Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

--Treat every firearm or bow with the same respect you would show a loaded gun or nocked arrow.

--Be sure of your target and what is in front of and beyond your target.

--Unload firearms and unstring conventional bows when not in use.

--Handle the firearms, arrows and ammunition carefully.

--Know your safe zone-of-fire and stick to it.

--Control your emotions when it comes to safety.

--Wear hearing and eye protection.

--Don't drink alcohol or take drugs before or while handling firearms or bow and arrows.

--Be aware of additional circumstances which require added caution or safety awareness.

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