Deer season opens this weekend across East Texas, and officials are urging hunters to start the season safely. Game warden Chris Swift and firearms instructor Wade Anders met with local media to outline a practical safety checklist that every hunter should follow before heading into the woods.
Treat every gun as if it’s loaded
“You got to be responsible for your bullet,” Swift warned, reminding hunters that a loaded firearm is a serious liability. He said the most common opening‑day accidents involve moving in and out of vehicles or tree stands while a gun is still loaded. Swift urged hunters to unload every weapon before climbing into a stand or vehicle and to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Check your tree stand and gear
Swift recommends a thorough inspection of tree stands before the first hunt. Look for loose bolts, cracked wood, and worn straps. A fall from a stand far from other people and without a phone could become a “big problem,” he said. He also suggested packing a basic emergency kit – a whistle, a flashlight, a first‑aid kit and a fully charged cell phone – and sharing your hunting location with a trusted friend.
Know county restrictions
Each Texas county can impose its own hunting regulations. Swift advised hunters to verify local rules, such as season dates, bag limits and any special equipment restrictions, before heading out. In an emergency, he reminded hunters to call 9‑1‑1 immediately.
What’s beyond your target?
Firearms instructor Wade Anders emphasized the importance of knowing what lies behind your aim. “What’s beyond what you’re shooting at?” he asked. He cautioned hunters to be aware of backstops, other hunters, and any structures that could be struck by a stray round.
Tracking wounded deer
Anders runs a seasonal service that helps hunters locate wounded deer that have escaped. He receives calls when a shot deer does not fall within sight or leaves an insufficient blood trail. Last year he fielded 37 such calls, assisting hunters in recovering game and preventing unnecessary suffering.
Respect private property
Both officials stressed the need for permission before pursuing a deer onto private land. “You always need to seek permission. Always,” Anders said. He noted that modern technology, such as GPS and online landowner databases, makes it easier to identify adjacent property owners. If a hunter encounters difficulty, they should contact the local game warden for guidance.
Final checklist
Swift suggested hunters create a written checklist before opening day, including:
- All firearms unloaded and safely stored
- Tree stand inspected and secured
- Emergency kit packed
- County regulations reviewed
- Permission obtained for any private land
- Contact information for a trusted person shared
“Make sure everything is unloaded, treat all guns like they’re unloaded. Try to get out there early and have fun,” Swift concluded. By following these steps, hunters can enjoy a successful and safe opening weekend while honoring the traditions of responsible hunting.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
