RALEIGH, N.C. - The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Home From The Hunt™ campaign reminds everyone who is hunting during the holiday season to make safety the top priority.

"Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditional times for family and friends to go hunting," said Travis Casper, the state hunter education coordinator with the Wildlife Commission. "In the excitement of a holiday hunt, don't overlook the safety aspects. Make it a part of your planning. Stress the importance of everyone being careful."

Before the hunt, Casper advised:

• Get back to basics - review hunter education training and equipment instructions.
  
• Know the rules - read applicable requirements, licensing and season information in the Regulations Digest before going afield .
  
• Inspect all equipment - repair or replace equipment, especially tree stands, before use.

"We recommend a full-body safety harness anytime you use a tree stand," Casper said. "Maintain three points of contact when climbing up and down, and never carry anything as you climb."

When hunting with a firearm, Casper advised:

• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  
• Be certain of your target and what is beyond.
  
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

A blaze orange cap, hat or outer garment that is visible from all sides must be worn when hunting bear, feral hogs, deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant or quail with a firearm. Anyone hunting deer during a deer firearms season, regardless of method, must wear blaze orange. Hunters also are required to wear blaze orange while hunting with archery equipment during the black powder and gun seasons, including Sundays.

For more information on the Home From The Hunt™ campaign, Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permits and the Hunter Education Program, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call 919-707-0031.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update - news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more - delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

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