With Michigan’s firearm deer season starting Wednesday, the DNR reminds everyone to put safety first.

Lt. Tom Wanless, who heads the DNR’s recreational safety, education and enforcement section, said that although some tips seem like common sense, it’s critical for anyone hunting with firearms to consider safety basics.

“Success is not always about filling your tag, it’s about safely enjoying the experience and sharing it with friends and family after the hunt,” Wanless said.

All hunters should:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

• Be aware of your surroundings – know your target and what is beyond it.

• Unload firearms when crossing obstacles and/ or getting in or out of an elevated stand.

• Obey “no trespassing” signs; they are there for a reason.

• Obtain landowner permission to retrieve game that has wandered onto private property.

• Wear “hunter orange” to increase your visibility to other hunters. Hunter orange garments (such as caps, hats, vests or jackets), including camouflage, must be at least 50% hunter orange and be visible from all directions.

During hunting seasons, the DNR strongly encourages nonhunters to wear bright colors, especially hunter orange, and be aware of their surroundings near woods or fields where hunting may occur.

Get more hunting and tree stand safety tips at Michigan. gov/HuntingSafety, and season and regulation details in the 2023 DNR Hunting Regulations Summary.