Hunting Safety

Crossbow Safety Tips
Maximum effective range is 40 yards.
Know exactly where the arrow will hit before you pull the trigger (practice, practice, practice).
Never walk or climb a tree with a crossbow cocked and loaded with an arrow.
Always use manufacturer recommended arrow weights.
Practice with the same type of broadhead you plan to hunt with.
Keep your fingers and thumb down on the crossbow forearm out of the path of travel for the string and cables.
Always identify your target and background before you shoot.
Never shoot if there is a doubt about the shot.
Never shoot if the animal is alert and excited.
Carry a field point tipped arrow in your quiver to uncock the crossbow at the end of the hunt by shooting this arrow into
    soft ground.

Tree Stand Safety Tips
Never carry equipment with you while climbing.  Use a haul line to raise or lower your gear.  Make sure guns are unloaded
    and broadheads are covered prior to raising or lowering firearms, crossbows, or bows with a haul line.
Always use a climbing belt when climbing up or down a tree.  Use a safety harness when hunting from elevated tree stands.
    Study manufacturer's recommendations before using any equipment.  Never use a rope to replace a safety harness.
Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them.  Replace any worn or weak lumber.
Read, understand and follow the factory recommended practices and procedures when installing commercial stands. Inspect
    portable stands for loose nuts and bolts before each use.
Choose only healthy, living trees when using climbing devices.  Rough-barked trees such as oak are best.  Do not use a tree
    that is rotten or has dead limbs.
Never put all your weight on a single branch.  Keep at least one hand and one foot on a secure place when reaching for the
    next hold.
Climb higher than the stand and step down onto it.  Climbing up onto it can dislodge it.
Wear boots with non-skid soles, because steps or platforms can be slippery in rain, sleet or snow.
Tell a dependable person where you're hunting and when you plan to return.  Map your whereabouts and leave a note at
    camp, at home or in your car so that you can be found.
If sleepy, move your arms rapidly until you feel alert.
Never wear a ring while climbing.  Rings can catch on tree limbs and equipment.
As a precautionary measure, clear all debris from the ground below the tree stand.
Use updated equipment.  Newer tree stand equipment is solid, safe and secure.  Updated safety harnesses offer more
    protection than older ones.
Carry a whistle to call for help and carry a first aid kit, flashlight and cellular telephone in a fanny pack.

Firearms Safety Tips
Treat every gun as if it were loaded.  Watch the muzzle!  Prepare to control the direction of the muzzle even if you
    stumble. 
Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that you have only ammunition of the proper size for the gun you
    are carrying.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it before you pull the trigger; know identifying features of the game you hunt.
Unload guns when not in use.  Take down or have actions open.  Guns should be carried in cases to the shooting area.
Never point a gun at anything you don't want to shoot or kill.  Do not play with a firearm.
Never climb a tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.  Never pull the gun toward you by the muzzle.
Never shoot a bullet at flat, hard surfaces or water.
Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children and careless adults.  Use trigger locks.
Avoid alcoholic beverages ad medications that cause drowsiness before or during use of a firearm.

Boating Safety Tips
Leave a float plan with someone at home, describing where you are going, who you are with and when you expect to return.
Always wear an approved and properly fitted PFD when in a boat.
Know the weather forecast for the same area.  Keep an AM radio handy for the latest updates.
Never overload your boat.
Always stay seated when shooting from an open boat.
Never anchor from the stern.
If an accident occurs, STAY WITH THE BOAT.
Unless the clothing is creating a hazard, do not remove extra clothing.  It can help prevent hypothermia.

Responsible Hunters
Learn and practice safe hunting techniques.
Hunt fairly.
Know the capabilities and limitations of their hunting devices and use them safely.
Obey and support all the wildlife laws and report all violations.
Respect the land and landowner and always obtain permission before hunting.
Avoid knowingly interfering with another hunter and respect the right of others to lawfully share the outdoors.
Value the hunting experience and appreciated the beauty of the animal.
Positively identify their target.
Share responsible deer hunting with others and work for the future of deer hunting in Maryland.
Cover their deer during transport.  Transporting deer in an acceptable manner is one way to maintain public support for
    hunting.
Dispose of carcasses appropriately.