Safety should always be your top priority when hunting. This guide provides essential safety information for hunters using HuntLand properties, but remember that these guidelines are not a substitute for proper hunter education and certification.
Emergency Response
In case of a hunting emergency:
- Call 911 or local emergency services immediately
- Provide clear location details (coordinates if possible)
- Follow dispatcher instructions while waiting for help
- If possible, have someone meet emergency responders at the property entrance
- After addressing immediate emergencies, notify the property owner through the HuntLand platform
Always carry a fully charged cell phone and consider a satellite communicator for remote areas with limited cell service.
The Four Primary Rules of Firearm Safety
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded - Even when you're certain it's unloaded
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction - Never point your firearm at anything you don't intend to shoot
- Be certain of your target and what's beyond it - Know where other hunters are located and what's behind your target
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot - Only place your finger on the trigger when you've made the conscious decision to fire
Additional Firearm Safety Guidelines
- Unload firearms when crossing obstacles, climbing into tree stands, or entering vehicles
- Transport firearms unloaded and cased to and from hunting locations
- Use the correct ammunition for your firearm
- Keep the barrel clear of obstructions
- Never use alcohol or drugs before or during hunting
- Store firearms and ammunition separately and securely when not in use
Hunting-Specific Safety
Tree Stand Safety
- Always wear a full-body harness and stay connected from the ground to the stand and back
- Inspect stands before each use for damage or wear
- Use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded firearms and equipment
- Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back
- Tell someone your exact stand location and hunting plan
Ground Blind Safety
- Never use heaters inside enclosed blinds without proper ventilation
- Secure blinds properly against high winds
- Make your blind visible to other hunters (avoid total concealment)
- Mark your blind location on a map and share with hunting partners
- Always keep entry/exit points clear for quick evacuation
Visibility and Identification
Blaze Orange Requirements
Most Canadian provinces require hunters to wear blaze orange (also called hunter orange) during firearms seasons:
- Minimum 400 square inches (2,580 cm²) of solid blaze orange above the waist
- Must include a head covering (hat or cap)
- Must be visible from all sides
Important: Even if not legally required for your specific hunt, wearing blaze orange is strongly recommended whenever sharing hunting areas with others.
Making Yourself Known
- Announce your presence when approaching other hunters
- Know the locations of all members in your hunting party
- Inform landowners or other authorized hunters of your planned hunting area
- Use verbal signals rather than gestures when communicating with hunting partners
Weather and Environmental Safety
Cold Weather Safety
- Dress in layers with moisture-wicking base layers
- Avoid cotton clothing which retains moisture
- Watch for signs of frostbite (numbness, white/gray skin)
- Carry emergency hand/body warmers
- Know the signs of hypothermia and how to treat it
Remote Area Safety
- Carry a compass and know how to use it
- Bring physical maps (not just electronic ones)
- Carry a whistle for signaling (3 blasts is universal distress signal)
- Pack a comprehensive first aid kit
- Carry fire-starting materials in waterproof container
- Always pack a headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Pre-Hunt Safety Checklist
Before Leaving Home
- Confirm all licenses and permits are valid and in possession
- Check weather forecast for hunting area
- Share detailed hunting plan and return time with someone
- Verify all safety equipment is packed
- Test communication devices (phone, radio, satellite messenger)
- Review property boundaries and rules from landowner
- Check that firearms/bows are in proper working condition
- Pack sufficient food, water, and emergency supplies
Upon Arriving at the Property
- Identify safe zones and restricted areas
- Note locations of property access points
- Verify cell phone reception or lack thereof
- Identify landmarks to aid in navigation
- Confirm locations of other hunters on the property
- Establish check-in procedures with hunting partners
- Review emergency evacuation plan
Wildlife Encounter Safety
Bear Encounters
When hunting in bear country:
- Make noise while moving to avoid surprising bears
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- If you encounter a bear:
- Remain calm and avoid direct eye contact
- Speak in a calm, assertive voice
- Back away slowly if the bear is not approaching
- Never run or climb a tree
- If attacked by a black bear, fight back targeting the face and muzzle
- If attacked by a grizzly bear, play dead by lying flat on your stomach with hands clasped behind your neck
Other Wildlife Precautions
- Be aware of predators that may be attracted to animal calls
- Check for ticks after spending time in the field
- In areas with venomous snakes, wear appropriate footwear and be cautious when walking through tall grass
- Wear gloves when field dressing game to protect against disease transmission
First Aid Essentials
Every hunter should carry a first aid kit and know basic wilderness first aid. Your kit should include:
Basic First Aid Supplies
- Assorted bandages and adhesive tape
- Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
- Elastic wrap bandages
- Trauma shears and tweezers
- CPR face shield
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
Hunting-Specific First Aid
- Hemostatic gauze for serious bleeding
- Tourniquet
- Emergency thermal blanket
- Waterproof fire starter
- Emergency whistle
- Signal mirror
- Permanent marker (for writing time of tourniquet application)
- First aid instruction card
Critical Injury Response
For serious hunting injuries, remember the priority of treatment:
- Stop major bleeding - Apply direct pressure, hemostatic gauze, or tourniquet as needed
- Maintain airway - Ensure the injured person can breathe
- Prevent/treat shock - Keep the person warm and elevate legs if no spinal injury is suspected
- Call for help - Activate emergency services as soon as possible
- Monitor - Check breathing and responsiveness until help arrives
HuntLand-Specific Safety Information
When hunting on land booked through HuntLand, please observe these additional guidelines:
- Know Your Boundaries - Never hunt outside the property boundaries defined in your booking
- Respect Group Size Limits - Bring only the number of hunters specified in your booking
- Follow Landowner Rules - Adhere to any additional safety requirements set by the property owner
- Honor Time Restrictions - Hunt only during the dates and times covered by your booking
- Report Hazards - Alert the landowner through the HuntLand platform about any safety hazards you discover
- Document Incidents - Report any safety incidents, even minor ones, through the HuntLand platform