Picture courtesy of Michigan DNR. Opening Day of firearm deer season is today, and MSP and the DNR are encouraging safety preparations for hunters before venturing out into the woods.

HOUGHTON — Today is opening day of the Michigan firearm deer season with plenty of Yoopers and downstaters taking to the U.P. woods to partake in one of the region’s most popular traditions. While hunters are eager to get out there and get their buck, there are some precautions, laws and safety practices the Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging everyone to follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the woods.

Before heading out, it is important for hunters to inform family and friends where they are hunting and how long they will be out. This allows those with knowledge of a hunter’s whereabouts to reach out and check on them if they have not returned, or contact emergency services. Phones should also be fully charged before going out for the hunt, While many hunters do not want to listen to their phone while in the woods, MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer Benjamin Eckola said it is best to have it on their person even if placed on silence or turned off.

“But having that cell phone with you and fully charged is something that’s an easy tool if you were to need assistance, to know you can make a call or get a text out or something like that,” he said. If hunters do not have a phone signal, Eckola recommends using other types of emergency alert devices such as radios or GPS.

Eckola also emphasized firearm safety, reminding hunters to treat every firearm as if it is loaded at all times. Hunters be familiar with the land on which they’re hunting, and ensure they know where their shot will land to avoid harming anyone or unintended target animals. While a firearm is being transported in a vehicle, its barrel and magazine must be unloaded and placed in a case or stored in the trunk of a vehicle. Hunters 18 years and older can carry handguns in the woods, but must carry them openly. A handgun in a holster is permitted as long as the holster is visible.

Eckola also wants to remind hunters on public land to be courteous of others sharing the land and to wear hunters orange.”Make sure you don’t leave any trash or destroy things or break any conservation laws,” he said.

Hunters in the U.P. should also dress appropriately for the weather, which includes putting on layers and winter coats. Water proof boots and gloves are recommended to keep hunters dry and their fingers warm enough to allow for as much dexterity as possible. Weather conditions and the temperature can change quickly in the U.P., so items such as hats and gloves should be kept on hand even if the temperature feels like it is unnecessary. Eckola added hunters should go out into the woods sober. “Don’t mix hunting while using alcohol or any types of drugs. That’s just unsafe and against the law,” he said. Once hunters have made their safety preparations, Eckola wishes all hunters luck and hopes they enjoy themselves in the U.P. “Opening Day of deer season is a big day on the calendar for many Yoopers,” he said. “It’s time that a lot of us look forward to every single year, it’s time to get together with family and friends, head out to the woods and just make new memories together while pursuing that big buck.”