The Pennsylvania fall hunting season for wild turkeys is set to open on Saturday (October 27). The Keystone State has more fall turkey hunters than any other state in the country and fall hunting has been a popular and long-standing tradition here. Conditions for fall hunting look great this year, but as turkey hunters prepare for the season the members of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation remind their fellow hunters to be careful and play it safe. According to statistics on fall turkey hunting related shooting incidents collected by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the number of incidents has decreased markedly in recent years. An average of 13 hunters were injured annually in fall incidents between 1999 and 2002. In the four seasons starting in 2003, average annual incident rates numbered less than four.

"We aren’t sure what caused the decline in the number of incidents but we are very pleased by the trend," said state chapter president Gene Alwine. "Our chapter has worked with the Game Commission on press releases to remind hunters to be safe and we have prepared articles on safe hunting for a number of publications. Hunter Education instructors have been emphasizing the importance of being sure of the target when turkey hunting and some of our chapters have even placed billboards out there with the safety message. We are confident that the efforts of the Game Commission and Pennsylvania Chapter are bearing fruit. Media attention to turkey hunting safety in recent years is certainly part of the equation bringing improving safety records."

Turkey Hunter Safety is a major concern for the chapter. Local chapters around the commonwealth sponsor turkey-hunting seminars to help new hunters learn the proper methods of turkey hunting. The seminars feature tips for safe hunting as well. "Turkey hunting is a safe activity," said Don Heckman of the state chapter board of directors. "Our goal is to educate hunters in an effort to make turkey hunting even safer. As turkey hunters take to the woods, we urge them to ‘Think Safety, Hunt Safely.’" Fall turkey hunters are reminded that the responsibility for safe hunting lies squarely with the shooter. Following the common sense rules of hunting safety is essential for all forms of hunting. Treat every firearm as you would a loaded firearm. Always point your gun in a safe direction (never let the muzzle pass by anything you are not willing to destroy). Be sure of your target and what is beyond. Remember that safeties are not safe. Keep your safety on and your finger off the trigger until you are sure of your target and ready to shoot.

In addition, turkey hunters should hunt defensively. Never wear or carry the colors of red, white, blue or black while turkey hunting. Always set up in open woods with good visibility and with a large tree or other object behind you covering your back and your head. Don’t attempt to hide in brush. When calling to turkeys, always assume what you hear is another hunter until you positively determine otherwise. Never try to stalk or sneak up on wild turkey for the purpose of getting a shot. Instead, try to break up the fall flock and call them back together. Keep movement to a minimum when you are set up. Be alert to the sounds of animals warning about the approach of another hunter. Crows, blue jays, squirrels and chipmunks often provide warning calls. If you see another hunter approaching, call out in aloud voice to alert the hunter about your presence. Never use a turkey call to get another hunter’s attention and never wave. Remember to follow all the laws and regulations related to turkey hunting. Join the crowd- be a safe and ethical turkey hunter. Think Safety, Hunt Safely.