Georgia DNR encourages safety during hunting season

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Baldwin County deer hunter is recovering, after he fell about 12 feet from a tree while trying to install a deer stand.

Daniel harsey, 51, broke both legs, while trying to put up a deer stand in the woods on Old Monticello Road, according to Baldwin County Sheriff’s Capt. Brad King.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Capt. Bob Lynn has some tips to keep hunters safe this fall.

Lynn says even, the most experienced hunters can get injured while out in the woods searching for prey.

Craig O’Neal of Macon is a veteran hunter, who was trapped wild game in Africa. He says he has seen some of the best hunters make tragic mistakes.

“Sometimes you think you’re aware of your surroundings and you’re aware of what’s going on, and what you’re doing and if you’re not and things happen,” says O’Neal. “It’s really bad anytime you hear about a fellow hunter getting hurt whether it’s falling out of a deer stand or accidentally getting shot.”

In the 2013/2014 hunting season, four people were killed and  there were 51 hunting accidents, 37 of those stemmed from tree stand incidents, according to the Georgia DNR.

“It’s always best if you are accompanied by some one in case an incident does happen,” says Capt. lynn.

Lynn says always let someone know where you are at all times while hunting, and use safety equipment.

“Wear a tree stand harness, which is like a seat belt basically,” added the captain.

He says Georgia law also requires deer hunters to wear florescent orange clothing.

“You have hunting accidents every year that involve hunters shooting another hunter mistaken for game,” says Capt. Lynn. “Be sure of your target before you pull that trigger, you can’t recall that bullet once it leaves. once you pull the trigger it’s a done deal.”

Nearly, 30 hunters took a test Wednesday trying to get their hunting license.

Courtney Logue says she’s been hunting since she was a child. But, the most important lesson she wants everyone to be mindful of.

“Make sure the gun’s unloaded as I’m going through the woods,” says Logue.

Tyler Harvey says he has been hunting for more than 10 years. Still, Harvey says hearing about hunting accidents is disturbing.

“Actually my heart drops,” he said. “It makes you realize no matter, if you are a professional hunter or just starting out like some of these kids here today taking the test, you have to take safety precautions.”