Since Oct. 1, hunters here in Michigan have been piling into the woods in hopes of filling their tags and harvesting deer.

As we have eclipsed the halfway point through the month, both local wildlife and law enforcement departments want to remind both hunters and non-hunting citizens to be aware and safe around wooded areas.

For hunters, the thrill of hunting can often times bring a “tunnel vision” effect and a lack of focus behind the intended target. Michigan Department of Natural Resources hunting education specialist, Corp. Steve Orange says, “knowing what your target is and what's beyond,” is important in consideration of their shooting area.

“You don't know who or what might be walking through the woods (at the) same time you're hunting,” Orange said. “(This is) particularly with public property and the same thing goes for those non-hunters that are walking on our public property. Just be mindful that there may be hunters in the area.”

Another crucial element of hunting safety, especially during rifle and muzzleloader seasons beginning in November, is making sure the weapon has the safety on and that it is safely transported to and from hunting stands.

“One of the biggest things that we preach in higher education is that a safety is a mechanical device that can fail,” Orange said. “Don't just rely on that when getting your firearm up and in your tree stand. If you are, make sure you use the hall line with the muzzle pointed down, not loaded, with the safety on, and making sure you're doing it all properly.”

When it comes to those not hunting, travelling in areas near the woods should also bring some caution. According to Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller, the number of car accidents caused by deer will increase greatly during these seasons.

“You're going to see much more movement with the deer right now and car-deer accidents are going to be going up,” Miller said. “I remind people to keep their eyes on the road and be aware of their surroundings and keep them off any media devices when they're driving down the roadway.”

Some other key tips are that hunters must identify themselves in appropriate orange safety wear, properly transporting gear and weapons in appropriate cases, and to keep all guns and bows out of plain sight and away from children.

For more rules, regulations, and hunter safety information, visit the Michigan DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr.