Hunting Rifles Reviews > Rifle Brands

Q: When is bow season, and when does rifle season begin?

A. Traditional bow hunting season opens on Oct. 1. If you’re a Michigan resident you know that Nov. 15 is when gun season starts. Rifle season lasts until Nov. 30, and then there is extended periods for muzzle loading … right into December. … It’s usually the second week into December.

Q: Before we get into rifle hunting safety, I’d like to discuss some changes expected for the 2009 hunting season. Any major changes effecting deer hunting enthusiasts? I suspect the baiting law still stands?

A: The big buzz for Michigan now is that we now have the opportunity for hunters to use crossbows. Crossbows are available to certain hunters: Anyone over the age of 50 years or older. The crossbows are limited to certain zones and they also open it up to the youths, age 12 years old. A crossbow is a much more untraditional style, like the old Indian bow and arrow. It more mechanically sends the arrow, or what is also known as the bolt, and there are debates whether or not they are more accurate. But the greatest advantage is that folks with maybe a handicap are able to discharge that weapon accurately and get out into the field and harvest an animal. It’s a good law. It’s a good thing.

(As for the baiting ban) it has not been revisited. The DNR has not reapproached it at all. It stands as it stands. Ironically, the state of Michigan is maybe catching up to this law. States around us — I believe Ohio, Indiana — have always been no baiting. I think it’s here to stay.

Q: What are some ways hunters, particularly those who hunt in tree stands, can avoid serious injury?

A: You hit on my topic here. I’ve taught tree safety several times at our hunter safety classes. One of the biggest things is the use of a full-body harness. There are many body harnesses out there. Personally, you want to make sure the harness supports the lower legs, the crotch area, up to your chest and that everything is supported that way in the event of a fall.

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Q. Is there one major mistake you see hunters make year after year that, if remedied, could curb the number of injuries and deaths each year?

A. It always seems to be target identification. Unfortunately someone may be hunting later into the evening and hear a crack or a stumble through the brush and it’s another hunter, maybe with not orange on and off the shot goes. It’s poor identification. It’s not intentional.This is even small game, from rabbits to deer. As a fellow hunter you want to make sure you have the right amount of orange. As a hunter seeking game, you want to clarify and make sure your target is out there. If it’s unsure what you’re shooting at, don’t shoulder your weapon and take the shot. It’s better to just let it go by.

Q: How early would you advise young hunters to attend a hunter safety class? How early can they begin?

A: Ten-year-olds can hunt, (but) of course there are limitations to it. The 10-year-old has to be out with a guardian, a certified hunter. They are more than welcomed in our classes. We want them there. I think there is probably some responsibility of a parent or a guardian to measure the maturity of a 10-year-old.

Q: According to the DNR Web site, there are three keys to safe firearm handling that can prevent incidents involving hunters. What are they?

A. It’s common sense: You always treat a gun as if it’s loaded; the muzzle should always be pointed in a safe direction –up or firmly down at the ground in case of an accidental discharge; and then you want to make sure your target is safe and whatever you’re shooting at is in a safe direction.

Q: There is some debate among hunters about wearing a tree stand harness. What is your advice and why?

A: Purely and simply it’s the hunter’s choice. There are no laws. But we will read, we will listen and we will hear of someone falling out of a tree … and this is going to happen. The proper wearing is probably the most important thing. We have people who maybe have a harness on but are getting in and out of a tree wrong.

Source: mlive.com

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