Hunting season has just begun again, and with many Shelby County residents heading out to the woods, it’s a good time to think of hunting and gun safety. Unfortunately, accidents happen, but with these safety tips from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, hopefully the Shelby County woods can stay accident-free.

Basic hunter safety rules include:

-Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

-Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun.

-Be sure of your target and what is in front of it and beyond it.

-Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

-Wear a blaze orange cap or vest.

-Use a small flashlight when it is dim outside to identify yourself.

-Falls from treestands can cause injuries. Always wear a fall restraint device anytime you are climbing, sitting or coming down from a treestand. Also inspect your stand and tree before you use the stand.

Other gun safety tips from the National Rifle Association include:

-Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.

-Wear eye and ear protection if appropriate.

-Never use alcohol or other drugs before using a gun.

-When you are finished shooting, store your gun so it is inaccessible to children.

-Clean your gun regularly, making sure the gun is unloaded before cleaning. Make sure no ammunition is present when cleaning your gun.

For more information on hunting season or gun safety, visit Outdooralabama.com and Nrahq.org.