Many West Virginians look forward to hunting season every fall. And for good reason. Heading to the woods to hunt is a tradition in our state. It’s also an important part of our culture.
But hunting season is also an important time to focus on safety, whether you are in the woods with your hunting rifle or behind the wheel of your vehicle.
At Tiano O’Dell, we’re committed to keeping West Virginia’s hunters and drivers safe. We offer the following reminders to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hunting season.
Watch Out for Deer When Driving
With the arrival of the fall, which coincides with deer mating season, comes increased wildlife activity (especially deer darting into roadways). Also, in rural areas, roads are busier as hunters head to the woods.
These conditions require extra caution, especially in West Virginia. According to data from State Farm, West Virginia leads the nation in animal/vehicle collisions and has for over a decade.
The data also shows that the months that coincide with hunting season—October, November, and December—account for more than 40% of all animal/vehicle collisions.
To stay safe, drivers should stay alert, especially during dawn and dusk, use their high beam headlights when it’s safe to do so, slow down in high-risk areas, and always wear seatbelts.
Make Road Safety a Priority
With the increased traffic and animal activity, drivers should keep an eye open for potential distractions and road hazards.
These can include vehicles parked beside the road and hunters walking near roadways with their gear.
When driving in or near hunting areas, be vigilant, practice caution, and stay patient to protect yourself and others on or near roadways.
Practice Gun Safety
Handling a firearm responsibly requires extra caution and an awareness of your surroundings.
Always keep your gun locked and stored securely when it’s not in use. When hunting, be sure to point the muzzle in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, and always know both your target and what’s beyond your target.
All hunters, even seasoned hunters, should regularly review gun safety practices.
Stay Up to Date on Equipment Recalls
Hunters rely on their equipment, including their firearms, tree stands, and off-road vehicles. When any of this gear is defective, serious injuries can happen.
When purchasing a new piece of hunting equipment, be sure to register the product with the manufacturer and check recall lists regularly to ensure your equipment is safe to use.
Be Smart About Your Health and Safety
While rare, health emergencies do happen during hunting season. Freak accidents can and do occur in wooded areas where there is limited or no cellphone service. Heart attacks are also common, as individuals who may be largely sedentary the rest of the year overexert themselves while out hunting.
Avoid hunting alone and set meet-up times and locations to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.
When hunting in remote areas where cell coverage may be unreliable, consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a two-way satellite communicator to reach emergency services. Some newer smartphones and carriers also support emergency satellite messaging—check your specific phone model and plan before heading out. This information is general and not legal advice.
Know What to Do in the Event of An Accident
While, hopefully, your hunting season won’t be disrupted by an accident, you need to know what to do in case one arises.
If you are in a collision with a deer, move your vehicle to safety, call authorities immediately, document any damage, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you are injured due to defective hunting gear or the negligence of others, seek the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney to determine your rights and the scope and amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
Make It Home Safely
Fall is a special time of year in West Virginia. Tiano O’Dell wants you to make it home safely from your time in the outdoors.
By staying safe on the roads, engaging in safe hunting practices, checking your gear before you go, and planning for the unexpected, you can have an enjoyable and memorable season.
Tiano O’Dell is here to help protect West Virginians when accidents happen. You can contact us online or call (304) 915-0823 for a free, confidential consultation.
