Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service would like to remind everyone that the hunting season will be underway shortly. As a result, there will be gunshots heard in some areas of the community. Police have already been called to a complaint of shots being fired which were hunting-related.

Hunting Safety Tips

Wear fluorescent orange clothing from head to toe.

Wear clothing that prevents exposure to cold temperatures, poisonous plants and insects.

If you spend a lot of time in areas that are tick infested, speak to your doctor about being vaccinated against Lyme disease.

Wear insect repellant containing DEET and follow directions.

Check for ticks frequently and check your entire body once a day.

Immediately remove ticks using a pair of tweezers.

Never shoot at a sound or movement. Be 100 percent certain of your target.

Make sure your shot path is safe.

Never assume you are alone in the woods.

Never assume that other hunters are acting responsibly.

Never drink alcohol before hunting.

Never wave or make sounds to make another hunter aware of you - this movement may attract fire. Yell in a loud voice and stay hidden.

When sitting up against a tree or rock, make sure it is wider than your shoulders. This will prevent a hunter coming up behind you and mistaking you for a target.

Do not wear red, white or blue while turkey hunting. These colors are the same as a gobbler’s head.

Be careful using a gobbler call. The sound attracts hunters.

Know your game laws.

Never hunt alone.

Always let someone know where you are going and when you are going to return.

Be familiar with the area where you are going to hunt.

Carry survival gear at all times (first aid kit, compass, GPS, map, fire-starter and high calorie food).

Always be courteous and maintain self-control.

Hold onto your gun. Never lean it up against a tree or any other object.

Never carry a loaded gun on a 4-wheeler.

If hunting with a tree stand, never climb while holding your gun or bow (use a hoist rope instead), and always use a safety harness when climbing or descending.

Never use a tree stand if the trees are icy or wet.

Use gun or trigger locks and guards when not in use.

Area schools have a strict safety protocol. Please be cautious of where you hunt or target practice. Police will be responding. A school lockdown will most certainly occur.

Review these safety tips with your hunting companions before going out.