Safety tips for a successful hunting season Published Sept. 5, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The fall not only brings cooler temperatures and new sports games but also begins a new season for hunters on base. Every year, an average of 500 hunters purchase permits to hunt in the upcoming game seasons. On base, hunters can hunt squirrels, rabbits, dove, wood chuck, quail and raccoon; though the most frequently hunted animals are deer, turkey and ducks. "For someone interested in hunting on base, the Barksdale Hunter Safety Class is the first place they need to start," said Mark Gates, Barksdale Natural Resources wildlife biologist. "It covers the rules, regulations and general policies on the interested game, what licenses are required and so on." Department of Defense personnel and their guests may participate in hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities on Barksdale. For unescorted hunter privileges, DoD personnel, including dependents over the age of 16, must attend the Barksdale Hunter Safety Course once every three years. Interested hunters must also successfully complete a hunter education course in order to hunt in the state of Louisiana. The course is free and open to all ages, but only those 10 years of age or older are eligible for certification. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a Louisiana Hunter Education Certification Card that is recognized by all states and provinces that require hunter education. Though the classes provide hunters the safety information needed to have a successful hunt, the following tips are just a reminder while hunting during the most active seasons on base: -All personnel entering hunting areas are required to wear an orange vest and hat at all times. -All hunters must check in and out of a hunter check station to account for their whereabouts and ensure their safety. -During the quiet hours (two hours in the morning and afternoon), no one is allowed to move around in the hunting areas so as to keep hunters from walking up on each during the prime hunting times. -Also, follow the ten commandments of firearm safety, wear hunter's orange when appropriate and use common sense. "Non-hunters must also be aware of the hunting season while visiting the East Reservation," said Gates. "We've had issues with non-hunters ignoring safety signs and entering hunting areas. When deer, firearm and turkey seasons are open, the use of trails is offlimits, and large signs are always posted along major roadways when the trails are closed. The trail is open and shared by archers, small game and waterfowl hunters and non-hunters a third of the year." For more information about the hunting seasons or hunters safety, contact the Natural Resources Office at 456-3353.