Ignorance and guns don't mix well! Published Nov. 2, 2011 By Lt. Col. Brian J. Mahoney Chief of Safety, 319th Air Base Wing GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As I walked into work this morning I was enjoying the fresh, crisp air of the North Dakota fall. I have enjoyed these moments since I was a young boy growing up near Fargo. In part, it is because I just love being outdoors and also because of all the hunting opportunities. Then it hit me: North Dakota deer firearm season opens on Friday at noon, and Minnesota firearm hunters enter the woods the next morning. Then my safety mindset hit me and I had flashbacks about the close calls I have seen and the unfortunate ramifications others have experienced during this season. As a young boy around 9 or 10 years old, I remember one tragedy in particular; it shaped my hunter-safety mindset for the rest of my life. As I was going through a youth gun hunting safety course, a conservation officer shared a story about a deer hunter who had been drinking with his buddies until the wee hours of the morning. Subsequently, the hunter made the incredibly stupid decision to go hunting that morning and his hunting camp buddies did nothing to stop him: Heck, they likely did the same thing. So, as this drunken hunter sat in the woods that morning, he heard a noise near some bushes. He proceeded in shooting through the visual obstacle in hopes a deer was on the other side. This unfathomable decision is often referred to as a "sound shot" and is sternly discouraged by all ethical hunters. Sadly, an innocent person was affected by the hunter's poor decisions. You see, an elderly lady simply went to check her mail. Being older and wiser, she even put on a blaze orange hat and exterior clothing before leaving her rural home. Tragically, she was at her mailbox on the other side of that brush. So this loving grandma, mother, friend, and outstanding member of the community died because she decided to check her mail. There are many things to learn from this one heartbreaking incident. First and foremost, if you are a hunter and going to deer camp, you need to plan ahead. Have a great time seeing family and friends on your annual outing, but do it responsibly. Whether you choose to partake in adult beverages or simply stay up late playing cards, plan your next hunt accordingly. Do not go hunting if you are still feeling any affects from drinking alcohol or lack of sleep. More importantly, if you see your camp buddy trying to violate this principle, stop them by whatever means necessary. In our old deer camp, the "non-drinkers" would "secure" the weapons or turn off the alarm clock of the ones too drunk to go hunting the next morning. Yes, it was confrontational at times, but we knew how important it was and it was worth the argument; and as of 30 years later, none of us have ever been a victim of a firearm incident. We had one simple and unwavering rule; "no unsafe gun will be allowed to hunt here." In fact, we kicked two close family friends out of our camp because they refused to follow the rule. That is a mindset all of us outdoorsman should adhere to ... not just occasionally, but every time! So, what if you don't hunt? Well you too must plan accordingly since you cannot control what the person with the high-powered rifle is doing. The first thing to do is to wear blaze orange as much as you can. Although it will not stop a bullet, it is the best way to visually highlight your presence. Another tactic is to make as much "human noise" as possible. Talk loudly with a friend as you walk or just enjoy the outdoors. You can also play music, sing, wear bells on your shoes, or simply do something that makes it very obvious you are not a deer or a target. Do your best to avoid walking where you expect a lot of hunters. I understand it is a shame you have to adjust your routine for someone doing something you may not enjoy, but it is for your own safety, and heck, the change in scenery may prove enjoyable. Lastly, try to avoid low-light periods of the day. Dawn and dusk are the most common times for hunters to be out in force and it is also the most dangerous due to the low light conditions. Here is the bottom line: Hunting is safe when good judgment is made, and it is truly rare that hunters make bad safety decisions. But a plan for success is still needed whether you are a hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or just checking your mail. Most importantly, if you are truly a hunter-conservationist who enjoys the privilege of hunting, do your part. Be a responsible, ethical hunter and make every effort to avoid and prevent any unnecessary tragedies this hunting season. Safe hunting, hiking, and enjoying the November outdoors.