LINCOLN, Neb. - With goose hunters going out in force this winter and spring, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has the following safety reminders:

- Dress in layers to stay warm.

- Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, which can affect your judgment and ability to control a shotgun.

- Before hunting, practice mounting and maintaining control of the shotgun while wearing cold-weather clothing.

- Do not get careless or excited when in a blind, including a lay-down blind. Control the muzzle. When hunting with others, know safe zones of fire and communicate with them about who is going to shoot where.

- Never put a loaded shotgun in or take it out of a blind. Unload it and then check to make sure it is unloaded. Wait until you are settled in the blind before loading.

- Wear a personal flotation device if venturing onto ice.

- Avoid alcohol, medication and other mind-altering drugs before and during the hunt.

- Never jump or climb over or into a blind or boat with a loaded shotgun.

- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.