Hunting is one of the safest ways to enjoy the outdoors. To ensure hunting remains safe and becomes even safer, the International Hunter Education Assoc. (IHEA) recommends hunters and shooters follow four basic rules of firearms safety.

The four basic rules of firearms safety, known by the acronym TABK, are as follows:

T – Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded.

A – Always point the firearm in a safe direction. Even if an unwanted discharge occurs, no one will be hurt if you always point the gun in a safe direction.

B – Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target. Make absolutely certain you can positively identify your target and what is beyond it. Make sure there are no other hunters, houses, vehicles or other animals beyond your target in case your bullet, or shot if you are using a shotgun, misses your target or travels through your target. Never shoot an animal on the horizon, as you cannot be sure of what is behind the animal.

K – Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot. Also, make sure branches or other objects do not contact the trigger guard or trigger.

Currently, it is estimated more people are injured from elevated stand-related injuries than all other incidents combined. “If you are hunting from an elevated stand, make sure you are properly using a full body safety harness, also known as a Fall Arrest System (FAS),” said Wayne East, executive director for IHEA. “Also, make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s directions on proper use of your safety harness.”

With some common sense and the proper use of safety equipment, you will ensure you and others safely enjoy your hunts. For more information, visit http://ihea.com

The IHEA is the professional association for the 69 member agencies and the 70,000 volunteer instructors who teach hunter education in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, South Africa and New Zealand.

Sandhill crane field trip

A field trip to view Indiana’s largest wildlife spectacle will head from Indiana Dunes State Park to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area to witness the annual Sandhill crane migration on Nov. 13. Participants who have registered in advance should meet at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center at 2 p.m. CST.

A short introduction will be given about the history and current status of cranes in Indiana, and then the group will bus to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) to view up to 20,000 cranes as the birds head for their evening roost in the FWA.

The trip will finish back at the Nature Center around 6 p.m. The trip leader is Brad Bumgardner, Indiana Dunes State Park interpretive naturalist.

The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 18. Children under age 3 go for free. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Trip includes a special program and travel to and from Jasper-Pulaski, as well as snacks and drinks along the way.
Support for the trip comes from the Northwest Indiana Migratory Bird Assoc. For more information about the trip and to register, call 219-926-1390.

Outdoor Indiana calendar

Get a jump on the 2011 calendar season by purchasing the November-December issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine. The issue includes a pullout removable wall calendar featuring the best outdoor photography in the state, as well as homegrown articles on every aspect of the state’s outdoors.

Outdoor Indiana is available at most Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties and most Borders and Barnes & Noble stores in the state. Hoosiers and individuals from out of state in Indianapolis for the 61st annual Christmas, Gift & Hobby Show Nov. 10-14 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds West Pavilion can score extra savings by purchasing the show-exclusive $45 holiday package.

The package includes a 2011 Annual Resident Entrance Permit (regularly $36), a one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana and a 2011 calendar, which sells for $10 separately. The offer is available only at the show, in person.

State park & reservoir passes

Indiana state park/reservoir annual entrance permits for 2011 are now available for online purchase. Individuals may order an annual entrance permit, which costs $36 for state residents, by going to www.InnsGifts.com

The Golden Hoosier Permit is available to Indiana residents over the age of 65 for $18 at the same website. Each permit allows entrance into any state park or reservoir for one vehicle with Indiana license plates throughout 2011. Starting Nov. 15, annual entrance passes will be available for in-person purchase at state parks and reservoirs across Indiana.

Hoosiers thinking about holiday gifts might consider bundling a permit with a $99 Holiday Gift Pack, also available now online. Each gift pack includes a 2011 annual state park permit, a $70 State Park Inns gift certificate and a one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine – a combined savings of more than $19.
For reservations at any state park inns, call 877-LODGES1 (563-4371) or see www.IndianaInns.com

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Jack Spaulding may contact him by e-mail at jackspaulding @hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.