CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — This Saturday marks the beginning of rifle deer season in Pennsylvania.
Hunters are reminded that staying safe means much more than just wearing their fluorescent orange gear.
"Tell someone when you're going out hunting. Tell them where you're going and when you plan to be back. That way, if something were to happen, we're notified as soon as possible and we can head out there," said State Game Warden April Whitsell.
Whitsell tells hunters to be extra prepared by bringing medication, food, and water along.
She advises hunters to always stay aware of their surroundings when engaging in the sport.
"Always take the most ethical shots possible. Identify your target before you take that shot. If you're after an antlerless deer, make sure it's an antlerless deer," Whitsell told 6 News.
If you're not hunting -- but are using the game lands for hiking or walking -- you also have a requirement that lasts from November 15th to December 15th:
"You're required to wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on the head, chest, and back combined. Even if you're not a hunter, it's unlawful to be on the game lands without wearing the required orange for safety purposes," she said.
The game warden said it's just as important to stay safe in the woods as a non-hunter.
"If you are out using it as a hiking trail, walking your dog, bird watching, or anything like that, you have to be aware that there are going to be hunters out there. Especially this time of year, it's going to be our busiest time of year," she said.
To safely pass along generational traditions that families partake in year after year.
A lot of hunters look at it as a sacred, traditional thing to pass down from father to son, but obviously -- me sitting in front of you shows -- that it's important to incorporate our daughters in this as well. I wouldn't be here if my dad didn't take me out hunting when I was little. It's a great way to get outside, get involved with your food chain, and it's a good tradition to pass down," Whitsell told 6 News.Click here for the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website.
Centralized Dispatch: 1 (833) PGC - HUNT
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