Are you ready for gun deer hunting season?

Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer hunting season is coming up Nov. 18-26. The simple TAB-K rules of firearms – which also apply to ongoing archery and crossbow hunting – can help you have a safe and successful season.

T – Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
A – Always point the weapon in a safe direction.
B – Be certain of your target; what’s before and beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

For tree stand use, remember these safety rules:

• Always wear a full-body harness/fall-arrest system that meets current industry standards.
• Connect the harness to the tether line and keep the tether line short. It is designed to keep the wearer in the seat, not catch them after falling.
• Always keep three points of contact while climbing into and out of the tree stand – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the stand or ground.
• Always use a haul line to raise and lower an unloaded firearm or bow into and out of the stand.
• Use a lifeline when climbing up and down to stay connected from leaving the ground to returning.
• Before heading out, tell someone where you’ll be and when you expect to return.
• Carry a cell phone to call for help if needed.

The DNR also advises hunters placing deer stands to avoid ash trees, many of which are dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation, especially in the southern half of the state.