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Remember firearm safety rules as the gun deer season begins Saturday

WAOW Television

A busy day at Chase Outdoors in Rothschild Thursday, with staff getting hunters ready for the gun deer opener.

"There's nothing better than the gun deer season for Wisconsin. Everybody's super excited to get out," store owner Justin Gaiche said.

Even for seasoned hunting veterans, safety is a top priority.

"If you love to do something you should put yourself in a position to be able to do it again," Gaiche said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says one person died during last year's gun season because of a self-inflicted injury.

The best ways to keep yourself and others alive all involve being smart around your guns.

"Treat a gun as if it is loaded 100 percent of the time. That's job number one. Never point it at something you don't intend to kill," Gaiche said.

Of the eight reported injuries last year, one was an instance where a hunter shot at what they thought was a deer but ended up shooting another hunter in the leg.

"Know your target. Don't take a low-percentage shot in heavy cover or potentially at a running deer unless you have the confidence that you know what's beyond it," Gaiche added.

Plus, you should keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready.

Despite the risk involved, Gaiche says it shouldn't discourage you from giving it a shot.

"If you haven't done it, try it. It's so much fun," he said.

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