In the last two weeks, there have been two hunting tragedies here in Jefferson County. The first involved a teenager who shot at what he thought was a deer. Instead he shot and killed his hunting partner. The second tragedy involved another teenager who picked up a gun in the backseat of a truck to make room for another passenger and accidentally shot himself in the head. The boy, just 16 years old, was killed.

These tragedies are sobering reminders about the importance of hunting and gun safety. As you head out into the woods in search of your trophy buck or Thanksgiving dinner, remember safe hunting guidelines:

• Assume every gun is loaded.
• Control the muzzle. Point your gun in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Wear blaze orange.

Wearing hunter orange saves lives. Because blaze orange looks bright to humans, but not most game animals, and looks like nothing seen in nature, it prevents other hunters from mistaking a person for an animal, or shooting in your direction. Hunters who wear hunter orange are seven times less likely to be shot than those who don’t wear it.

Other hunting safety measures that could save your life include:

• Tell someone where you will be hunting and hunt in familiar areas if you are alone.
• Check the weather before you head out and dress properly for the conditions.
• Get help dragging out your deer if you can’t handle it yourself. Hunters can die from heart attacks as a result of exertion.

One bill I am supporting in the Assembly, A. 4058, would authorize children 10 years or older to load and fire a rifle, shotgun or pistol at a shooting range while under the supervision of a qualified person, but increases the age from 18 to 21 of the person who may serve as the supervisor of such child.

I encourage my constituents to join a local sportsmen club. These organizations not only provide social outlets for sportsmen, but also emphasize hunting and gun safety.

As always, if you have a state issue or concern you’d like to discuss, feel free to contact me at my district office, 315-493-3909, email me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us, or stop by my office, 15 Bridge Street in Carthage.