Supplied by Sault Ste. Marie OPP…
(TOWN, ON) – The Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment would like to remind the public that safety is a must during the hunting season.

Officers will be out on patrol throughout the hunting season to ensure public safety is a priority, whether it be informing the public through education or enforcement.

Hunting enthusiasts shall understand and follow the rules when hunting. The OPP offers the following tips and information when it comes to general, and hunting safety.

General Safety Rules:

” Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will be returning.
” Know the weather conditions in your hunting area and dress accordingly.
” In an emergency, stay calm and stay put.
” Avoid hypothermia and know how to treat it.
” Keep hydrated and well nourished.
” Carry a survival kit and a small first aid kit with you at all times.
” Never drink alcohol while hunting.
” Bring items to start a fire.

Hunting Safety Rules:

” All hunters must wear solid hunter orange clothing (a minimum of 400 square inches or 2,580 square centimetres above the waist) and a hunter orange head cover during gun seasons for deer, moose and elk. Outside the gun seasons for deer, moose and elk these requirements also apply to bear hunters who are not hunting from a tree stand.
” Handle firearms with care and attention at all times.
” Hunters must never shoot unless they are absolutely sure of their target and what lies beyond it.
” It is illegal to discharge a firearm from across the travelled portion of a right of way for public vehicular traffic. In many parts of Ontario it is also illegal to have a loaded firearm, or discharge a firearm, in any part of the right of way.
” It is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in or on any vehicle

“Knowing and respecting the rules when hunting ensures a safe and productive hunting season” Sault Ste. Marie Detachment Commander Acting Staff Sergeant Ken Spahr

Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/hunting for more information.

Hunter and firearm safety is everyone’s responsibility. Report any illegal or unsafe hunting activity; call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.tipsubmit.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.