This Saturday marks the opening of Virginia’s general firearms deer season, prompting experts to stress the importance of safety and adequate preparation for the expected 250,000 hunters. Mitchell Tyler, co-owner of Safeside in Roanoke, highlights the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s four key firearm safety rules, including treating every gun as if it’s loaded and maintaining proper trigger discipline to prevent accidents.
In addition to firearm safety, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) urges hunters to inspect their gear and communicate their plans for the day. With new regulations in place, such as mandatory chronic wasting disease testing in specific counties, the DWR advises that hunters ensure their visibility by wearing blaze orange and take steps to protect their hounds when hunting. For those who harvest surplus deer, the DWR encourages donating to Hunters for the Hungry, helping to manage deer populations and support local communities.
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