This Saturday marks the beginning of the week-long deer hunting season. While this event carries many traditions and memories that make it special to so many in our community, it also brings some recurring issues that deserve attention.

The first of these issues is safety—both for those participating in the hunting season and for those who choose to enjoy the outdoors as they would any other time of year. For hunters, there are two basic rules: know your target, and know what is beyond your target. In the era of rifle hunting, the second rule is especially important. Although unintentional, there are always occasional reports involving stray rounds.

If you are one of those individuals who simply want to enjoy the outdoors over the next two weeks, be aware of increased activity on adjacent properties and public lands. While not required—and perhaps not the most stylish color—blaze orange is always a good choice. Whether you are hunting or just going for a walk, always let someone know where you are going and the route you plan to take.

Another issue that tends to arise more frequently is trespassing. This is straightforward: if you don’t have permission to be on a property, don’t be there. Many property owners allow others to hunt on their land, but this is entirely at their discretion. If they say no, respect their decision and move on. Also, don’t assume that just because you’ve hunted in a location for many years, you don’t need to ask permission. Circumstances change, and it’s wise to re-establish these relationships each year. Bringing a small token—perhaps some venison from last year—can help smooth the conversation.

We wish everyone a safe and productive hunt. We are grateful to hunters who take the time to help manage the deer population, as it reduces the likelihood of encounters with white-tailed deer on the roads. As an update, so far this year, 292 car-deer accidents have been reported through our dispatch center. At the same time last year, the total was 211. Stay vigilant!