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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Thursday, October 8, 2009 9:35 PM CDT
With hunters in woods, farmers in fields, drivers should be careful

By DAVE SHADOW, Hunting and Fishing Columnist

I suppose that most everyone in Central Illinois realizes that the Illinois archery white-tailed deer season is in full swing, as is the harvest season for our farmer friends.

These activities place the farmers in the fields, the hunters in the woods and the deer in the roadways. Much more care is advised for driving in farm country these days, especially during early morning, late evening and nighttime hours. Not only are the deer more prevalent on the roads but the farm equipment presents some hazards, as well. Modern-day equipment is so large that moving from one field to another is sometimes a problem. Couple this with the rush to get the crops out as soon as possible and you have a potential problem.

After taking a nice doe during the weekend, I stopped by Stewart’s Archery near Charleston for some new arrows and broadheads. Jon tells me that the white-tail harvest looks to be exceptional for an opening weekend. Many hunters have already harvested deer, and some have taken some nice big bucks. I think the quality of archery hunters is better these days with the newer equipment and more hunter education.

While most everyone acknowledges the need to maintain or reduce the deer population, it is still very important to maintain good hunting practices in this process. Be sure to get permission to hunt on private lands and be courteous when sharing hunting properties, both private and public. Hunter conflicts create an adverse image for the hunters. After all, it was hunters who were our original conservationists, and it is licenses and fees from hunters and anglers who support a very large portion of our conservation projects.

One of the biggest concerns at this time is hunter accidents.

Every year numerous hunters are hurt or killed in falls. Most accidents occur when entering or leaving tree stands. Fall-restraints are not a total cure, but they would significantly reduce the number of serious accidents. Some of the newer models are pretty comfortable and have pockets that increase your storage opportunities. Get one and then use it! Your loved ones expect you home at the end of the hunt! Have fun and hunt safely!

It’s health, happiness and hunting.

Dave Shadow is the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier’s hunting and fishing columnist.

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