News – Sheridan Media
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The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is urging hunters to keep safety the top priority as they head out into the field this season.
Hunting season is around the corner for some locations throughout the Cowboy State. Game and Fish have stated in a news release that no matter the species or method of harvest, it’s wise to know and follow a few safety tips to make sure that dream hunt doesn’t turn into a tragedy.
- Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
- Always point your muzzle in a safe direction.
- Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
“Our most common hunting-related accidents in Wyoming usually involve a vehicle — either loading firearms in or out of the vehicle or riding on the vehicle and accidentally bumping the trigger. The second most common involves obstacle crossing,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department Hunter Education Coordinator Katie Simpson said.
According to the department, driving with a loaded firearm in Wyoming is not illegal, but it isn’t always safe. Simpson said if hunters choose to drive with a loaded firearm, it’s advised they do not have a round in the chamber.
As for being sure of your target and what’s beyond it, Simpson used an example near Cheyenne several years ago to demonstrate its importance.
A hunter was pursuing pronghorn and took a shot at one atop a ridgeline. The bullet missed but traveled about a mile past its target and hit a car driving along Interstate 80. No one was hurt, but the bullet broke a window.
Game and Fish remind hunters there will be times when big game archery and rifle hunters may be in the field at the same time. People hunting big or trophy game animals during an open regular season are legally required to wear fluorescent orange or pink in the field, regardless of the weapon they use. Archers are not required to wear those colors while hunting during a special archery season or archery-only season.
Other tips from Simpson include:
- Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
- Bring more equipment than you think you’ll need, including more layers of clothing, food and water.
- Be aware of hypothermia and its symptoms. Simpson said exposure to hypothermia usually occurs to unprepared hunters when the ambient temperature is 40 to 60 degrees.
- If you get lost, stay put — whether on foot or vehicle. This is especially true if you’ve told someone where you’re at.
Game and Fish urge hunters to report any poaching or wildlife violations to any of the following: 1-877-WGFD-TIP. Text keyword WGFD and a message to TIP411 (847-411). Submit a tip online at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/stop-poaching.
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Last modified: October 1, 2025