It’s a hunter’s worst nightmare: a shooting tragedy that injures or kills another hunter. 

 On October 20, 2011 this nightmare became a reality when 39-year-old Sean Monschau was duck hunting and was accidentally shot and killed.

To prevent tragedies like this one from happening, the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department has released the following safety tips for the hunting season:

• Your hunting license and the identification used to purchase it (Michigan driver’s license, identification card, or DNR sport card) must be carried with you at all times while hunting.
• During rifle season, all hunters must wear an item of clothing (hat, cap, vest, jacket, or rain gear) in “hunter orange”; it must be the outermost garment; and it must be visible from all sides. If it is camouflage, at least 50 percent of the garment must be orange.
• Hunting hours begin approximately one-half hour before sunrise and last until approximately one-half hour after sunset
• Safety zones include all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, house, cabin, barn, or other farm building. You may not hunt in this area or shoot at any animal within this area, unless you have the written permission of the property owner.
• It is illegal to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs before hunting.
• Familiarize yourself with the area where you will be hunting
• Never assume you are alone in the woods
• Never assume other hunters are acting responsibly.
• If sitting against a rock or tree, make sure it is wider than your shoulders so you are not mistaken for a target.
• Be 100 percent sure of your target before shooting.

For more hunting safety tips and laws, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.