With hunting season underway, the National Forests in Mississippi urges all forest visitors to practice safety when visiting a national forest.

When on Forest Service land, remember:

• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.
• Be familiar with the area you want to hunt. Bring a map and compass.
• Carry a basic survival kit and be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the field. The survival kit should contain a rope, a knife, water, waterproof matches, an emergency shelter, and first aid supplies.
• Wear hunter orange as your outermost gear to be visible to other hunters. Do not wear white or tan during deer season. If accompanied by a dog, the dog should wear hunter orange or bright colors on a vest, leash, coat, or bandana. Check the state regulations to determine if a dog is allowed on a hunt.
• Know where your hunter partners are at all times.
• Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Other recreationists are enjoying the forest as well.
• Your cell phone may save your life, but don’t count on it. Many areas of most forests are not within signal range.

Hunting is a safe, recreational sport. Other visitors, however, are sometimes surprised when they meet hunters on areas of the forest. During this time of year, the forest sees a tremendous amount of users visiting the forest for a variety of recreational activities.  Fall is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy the National Forest. The Forest Service wants to promote safety for all visitors.

A copy of the Forest Visitor Safety Brochure includes helpful safety tips for forest visitors and hunters. The brochure is available at the forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/mississippi/recreation/hunting. The public may also contact a local district ranger office.

For more information on hunting seasons, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks web site at www.mdwfp.com.