Ashley Peterson NDGF Deer Hunting Photo Credit
By Doug Leier
No deer is worth risking your life or someone else’s. Each year, firearm incidents can be prevented by following a few essential safety rules.
First and foremost, always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. Muzzle control is one of the most basic and critical safety habits. Whether you’re crossing a fence, walking with others, or climbing into a stand, always be aware of where your muzzle is pointing.
Second, be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Positive target identification is crucial. A quick shot without verifying what’s behind the deer could result in tragedy. A split-second mistake can have lifelong consequences.
Wearing blaze orange is another key safety measure. It makes hunters highly visible to others, helping prevent accidental shootings. North Dakota law requires hunters using a firearm for deer hunting to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange above the waist, including a hat.
Also, let someone know your hunting plans – where you’re going and when you plan to return. Cell service isn’t always reliable in rural areas, so this step is critical.
Finally, always unload your firearm before transporting it in a vehicle.
Here’s a few more common questions and answers to help keep everyone safe and legal.
Can I use a bow to fill my regular deer gun license?
Yes. You may use any legal firearm or bow during the regular deer gun season.
Can I use a gun to fill my bow license?
No. Archery licenses may be filled only with bow and arrow.
Can I carry both bow and gun afield during deer gun season if I have both licenses?
Yes, but only if you are going to fill your gun license. No firearms, except handguns, may be in the hunter’s possession while hunting with a deer bow license. However, handguns may not be used in any manner to assist in the harvest of a deer with an archery license.
Are muzzleloading handguns legal for deer hunting?
Yes. They must be .50 caliber or larger.
Are the .22-250 and .243 legal for deer hunting?
Yes. Centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger are legal.
May I carry a pistol when I am hunting with a deer rifle?
Yes, but the handgun must meet minimum requirements listed in the deer hunting regulations to be legal for taking deer.
How do I carry a revolver in a vehicle when hunting?
The cylinder of a revolver must be completely unloaded.
How do I carry a muzzleloader in a vehicle when hunting?
Remove the cap from a percussion gun or the powder from the flash pan of a flintlock.
Is camouflage blaze orange acceptable for the deer gun season?
No. You must wear both a hat and outer garment above the waistline totaling at least 400 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange.
I hunt with a bow. When do I have to wear orange?
During the regular deer gun season you must wear orange. During the muzzleloader season, however, bowhunters do not need to wear orange.
Can I transport someone else’s deer?
Yes, but you will need a transportation permit from a game warden. The license holder, person transporting the animal, and the carcass must be presented to the game warden before the permit is issued.
If I see a collared deer during deer season am I OK to shoot it?
Yes. Radio-collared deer can be legally harvested during the deer season. Hunters are asked to contact the Game and Fish Department after harvesting a collared deer.
Safe hunting ensures we can all enjoy future seasons.
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