LINCOLN – For most upland game bird hunters, taking to the field provides a lot more than just the act of harvesting birds. It’s a great opportunity for exercise, camaraderie and enjoying this time of year.
Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine encourages all those going afield for an upland bird hunt to remember the basic safety rules of hunting: keep your gun pointed in a safe direction, treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and know your target and what is beyond it.
Horine offers the following additional reminders:
— Read the 2016 Hunting Guide before heading out to become familiar with species-specific regulations.
— Be prepared for longer trips with plenty of water and snacks. And keep your dog rested and hydrated, too.
— Make sure you have landowner permission before hunting on private land, even if you asked and received permission last year. Remember to thank them for their hospitality afterward. Doing so builds good relationships and benefits everyone.
— Since upland game bird hunting is frequently a group activity, know where your hunting partners are at all times and only shoot within your own zone of fire. Never shoot at a sound, shadow or movement.
— Although not a requirement, all game bird hunters are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange as a precaution in the field.
The statewide Nebraska pheasant, quail and partridge season is Oct. 29 – Jan 31. Permits are available at OutdoorNebraska.org.
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