ONTARIO’S CONSERVATION OFFICERS ENCOURAGE SAFE HUNTING

Despite unseasonably warm weather across most of Ontario, fall is upon us and with fall comes the time for tens of thousands of Ontario residents to participate in a wide variety of hunting opportunities throughout the province.

The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to remind anyone venturing outdoors this fall to be aware of the dangers of an emergency in a remote location.

Even the most experienced outdoors enthusiasts often forget to adequately plan their activities before heading out. The OCOA offers the following basic advice to hunters:

• tell someone where you are going and when you will expect to be back
• dress appropriately; fall weather can change without warning
• carry basic survival equipment on you at all times; matches, a compass, a whistle, and a survival blanket could save your life
• know your abilities and limitations - don’t put yourself at ris

“Every fall, our members are required to assist with the rescues of people who find themselves in danger due to their lack of preparation”, says OCOA President Mike Duncan.

People who hunt on or near water in the fall should take extra precautions. Our bodies lose heat approximately 25 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature. The OCOA wants to join the Canadian Safe Boating Council in partnership with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat to remind Canadians to take a few extra precautions to guard against the dangers of a fall into cold water.

• always wear a life jacket; don’t just have it with you - WEAR IT!
• if your boat capsizes, stay with the boat and try to get as far out of the water as possible

“I plan to hunt this fall - and by planning ahead I’ll be able to do so safely. I encourage everyone to do the same”, concludes Duncan.