Hunting season: Keep it safe and legal Published Nov. 20, 2010 81st Training Wing Safety Office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Hunting can provide a great pastime, but it can also be very dangerous. It's mandatory to have the information and training necessary to hunt safely and legally. It's necessary to have a hunting license from the state of Mississippi. People born in 1972 or latermust also complete a hunter education course approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. For more information, call 1-800-5GO-HUNT or log on to http://www.mdwfp.com. It's illegal to hunt or shoot in, on or across any street, public road, public highway or railroad. It's considered hunting if a person possesses a firearm with a cartridge or shell in the barrel, magazine or clip attached to the firearm. It's also considered hunting if all ammunition is not locatedin an enclosed compartment, container, box or garment while the hunter is on any street public street, road, highway or railroad during open season for deer or turkey. It's also illegal to hunt or kill any game animal, furbearing animal or game bird from any motorized vehicle or boat.However, squirrels and game birds may be hunted froma boat if the motor is off and progress of the boat has ceased. A hat and vest or coat that covers the chest and back area in solid hunter orange is required by law. Anyone with the hunter must also wear the hunter orange when out deer hunting with firearms. The orange camouflage isn't legal. Assume every rifle is loaded. Be sure of your target before you put your finger on the trigger. Most fatalities result from mistaken-for-game accidents. Never cross a fence, ride a four-wheeler or climb a tree with a loaded rifle. Tell someone where you are going hunting and when to expect you back. Don't hunt alone. Carry a cell phone and stick to familiar area if you go by yourself. Check the weather forecast before going hunting. Being properly dressed and prepared for the worst possible conditions is the best way to protect against hypothermia. Be wary of the permanent tree stands made of plywood and pine 2x4s. These stands may have weakened from falling limbs, wind and moisture, and could now be unsafe. A safety harness should be worn in a tree stand to prevent injuries from falls. Be careful when dragging large game. Each year, hunters die from heart attacks as a result of overexertion. Know your limits and take things slow if necessary.