North Carolina had its first fatal hunting accident that involved a bowhunter shooting another hunter by mistake last September. Previously, accidents involving bowhunters involved either falls from tree stands or accidents the hunters caused themselves.
Regulations do not require bowhunters to wear hunter orange or blaze orange clothing before the opening of firearms season. One reason is bowhunting is considered a discipline in which the hunter is in close proximity to the intended prey. Since the hunter is close, it is assumed he or she will be able to identify the target easily.
At the time most regulations were written, the average archery shot at a deer was around 15 yards. Today’s bows are much faster and provide more energy. Add crossbows to the mix, and you have hunters taking shots out to 40 yards or longer without a second thought.
As a hunter, certain rules must be followed at all times. First, never nock an arrow until you are ready to shoot. Second, always point the arrow in a safe direction and know what is in front and beyond your target.
Once out of the stand or blind, you must think defensively. You are no longer the hunter; you are just an animal in the forest. While it is not required, consider wearing hunter orange when traveling to and from your stand and when searching for downed game, because other hunters may be in the area without your knowledge.
Also, once you have found a deer that has expired, never carry the animal out of the woods on your back or shoulders. Antlers bouncing up and down in dark and/or shadowy underbrush is a temptation for another hunter to test his skills. Use bright hunter orange ribbon or flags tied to the animal to show it is being dragged rather than walking on its on.
With a little consideration for a safety and following the rules we all learned in hunter-safety class, we can share the woods and the sport without fear.
