Hunting can be a perfectly safe and responsible hobby, but you have to know what you’re doing and take the proper precautions to make sure you’re minimizing potential risk factors. If this is your first time hunting, there’s no need to be afraid. As long as you exercise the proper caution, you should be just fine.

Treat Your Gun Like It’s Dangerous

Ironic as it may seem, treating your rifle gun like a dangerous weapon is incredibly important when hunting. Always assume a gun is loaded, and act like there is no safety. No matter where you happen to be, you never want to point your gun at another person, even in jest. The dangerous sensation of firing a gun starts to subside the more you use it, and that’s why it’s especially important to set good habits for how you handle and store guns very early on. Similarly, don’t clean your gun without being absolutely sure it’s unloaded, and never drink while hunting. Simply being responsible and conscientious about how you use your hunting rifle is easily one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of an accident.

Dress for the Task

While camouflage makes it easy to mask your presence from the animals you’re looking to hunt, it also has the unfortunate side effect of making it hard for other hunters to spot you. That’s a recipe for disaster, but it’s one easily resolved. You should wear at least one article of bright orange clothing to help other hunters distinguish you from any other creatures moving in the brush. Many states even have regulations in place for what you can wear depending on what type of hunting you’re trying to do. Pay close attention to these before you leave on your trip. Be sure to pack a first aid kit as well. In addition to having basic supplies to help in the case of an accident, you’ll want to make sure that you have access to any medication you might need as well as basic hunting essentials like earplugs.

Come in with a Plan

You shouldn’t be going out all alone when hunting for the first time, but you should be meticulous touching base with fellow hunters about your plans. Come in with an understanding of the local topography both to help prevent getting lost and to reduce the risk of an accident. Keep everyone abreast of your actions and your location. Being able to communicate with the rest of the hunters in your group is crucial.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan