The first of two regular gun deer hunting seasons opens this Saturday in Iowa. 

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Wes Gould says hunter safety starts before they get in the field, “You gotta treat every gun as if it’s loaded, I’d say that as far as starting out. Once you’re out in the field, the biggest thing we see that causes accidents is when we shoot at running deer. When we shoot at running deer we get what we call ‘target fixation,’ meaning we only look at the target and we don’t realize what’s beyond that target, or what that target is passing in front of, and we’re shooting at it while its running that’s what leads to our accidental shootings.” 

Gould says if you’re hunting in a group, communication is key, so make sure everyone in your group knows where they will be positioned in the field.  And, if you’re hunting by yourself, Gould says to be sure to let someone know when and where you’re heading out in the event an accident should occur. For more safe hunting tips, visit IowaDNR.gov/hunting.