Brace yourselves, hunting season is here

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As fall quickly approaches, the leaves begin to change color, the weather gets cooler and hunting season begins.

When hunting season comes around, some Airmen bring out their rifles, shotguns and bows and prepare to shoot that 'trophy' animal they have been dreaming about for months.

Montana's untamed and rugged country can be difficult for many hunters. Plan your hunt carefully and always keep safety in mind. Being prepared and knowing what to expect are important elements for a hunt.

In order to hunt any of Montana's game animals one must have a hunting license. To purchase a Montana hunting license, any person born after Jan. 1, 1985 must show a certificate of completing a hunter education course issued by Montana, any other state or any Canadian province.

People interested in signing up for the hunter education course can go to www.fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/hunterEd.html and sign up for an online class or find a class nearby.

Montana's program follows the standards established by the International Hunter Education Association. The Montana hunter education certificate is recognized and honored in all of North America.

A student must be at least 11 years old to become certified in hunter education. There is no maximum age limit. Anyone is welcome to take the course, especially parents who want to accompany their child.

Classes are a minimum of 12 hours in length. Participants must attend all of the sessions and pass a final exam to become certified. They then must attend a field course, which is held at Giant Springs State Park, to complete the program.

Once hunters have their licenses and certificates, they are just about ready to hunt. When preparing for a hunt, it is important to take the right gear, especially for avid hunters who camp out during hunting trips.

"You should dress according to the Montana conditions," said Kelly Nathe, 341st Missile Wing traffic safety manager. "Wear over-the-ankle waterproof boots with good tread design and wear wool pants."

Nathe also said not to wear jeans while going hunting, because due to being cotton, jeans soak in a lot of water and take extra time to dry.

The best way to dress for colder weather while hunting is to dress in layers, Nathe said.
"It's better to take off layers than being cold and not have any extra layers to add," Nathe said.

In addition to firearms, ammunition and clothing, hunters will also need a few other items in the field.

"Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best," Nathe said.

Essential items to bring while hunting include a map of the area and a compass; a large orange-colored plastic bag--useful as an emergency shelter, signaling device, or rain shelter; a flashlight and spare batteries; extra food and water; extra clothing--rain and wind clothes, sweater and warm pants; sun protection--sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants; a pocketknife; waterproof matches and/or a lighter; a first aid kit; a plastic whistle; water filter or purification tablets; a drinking container; nylon cord and a signal mirror.

Most of these items can be purchased at The Exchange on base.

Nathe also provided a few weapon safety tips including treating every gun as if it is loaded, never point the gun unless intending to use it, not using the scope on rifles to look for animals - use binoculars, and make sure of your target and beyond. Bullets can travel through your target and hit another animal, person or house.

Be responsible while hunting, keep hunting areas clean and make sure the land you are hunting on is open to hunting and the public.

With Montana regulating its animal population, there is plenty of game to hunt this year.

"Big game populations are at or near record numbers and hunting access is good," said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' website. "Combine all of these factors, and you have all the components in place for some very special hunting."

Be safe out there and have a great hunting season.