Staying active in the great outdoors benefits both your health and your spirits. And if you love hunting, you can increase your chances and help rid the area of unwanted varmints by heading out after dark. Just don’t forget these safety tips for hunting predators at night during the thrill of the chase.
Without hunters to cull their numbers, predator populations will continue to grow. The damage they cause and the diseases they spread will increase, too. In Georgia, the Department of Natural Resources encourages its citizens to keep non-native and invasive species in check. Because they’re nocturnal and actively looking for food at night, you can have a lot more luck when the sun goes down.
You can get the jump on feral hogs with a light as long you carry it or attach it to a helmet, hat, or belt. Scan for them with a red light, and they might not even suspect you’re there. It’s always open season on coyotes, too; the state will allow electronic calls to lure them into shooting range. But your own safety is far more important than a successful hunt, so pay attention to these tips:
Be Mindful Of Your Gun
You might be a veteran hunter, but don’t ever get so comfortable with your gun that you forget what you’re doing. Follow these rules, and no one human will get hurt.
- Don’t load your gun until you’re ready for action.
- Point the barrel in a safe direction at all times.
- Keep your finger off the trigger unless you’re planning to shoot.
Accompany Your Companion
You might prefer to hunt alone, but it’s a good idea to use the buddy system at night. You can keep each other out of trouble and build some camaraderie too. Stick together for simplicity’s sake; if you don’t know where your partner is, you’re inviting an accident. You can stalk your prey side-by-side or back-to-back for the best results. Establish a communication system for when you want to call your shot.
Bring the Right Equipment
When you’re hunting predators at night, safety equipment is even more critical. Your vision will be compromised, so make sure you know where to find your GPS device and first aid kit. What you wear is also essential to your safety. If you get too warm, you can overheat. If you’re too cold, you’ll be shivering too much to shoot straight. Check the weather forecast before you go. Thin layers are your best bet. Wear wicking material to keep any moisture away from your skin.
