Pennsylvania Game News - March 2011 - 8

protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.” In other words, severe and potentially life-threatening injuries caused by the shooter, whether they are permanent or long-term, moves the incident into the realm of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Fines for a conviction at this level are up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. Such a conviction results in the loss of hunting privileges for five to 10 years. A hunter who kills another human being while hunting is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Any fines imposed at this level are distributed to the victim’s next of kin. The penalty for a conviction on this count is a fine of not more than $10,000 and the shooter may be imprisoned for up to 18 months. The shooter faces a mandatory loss of hunting and furtaking privileges for 15 years. A person convicted of an HRSI at any level must complete a remedial hunter education course and provide evidence of a vision examination to prove their vision meets specific standards contained in Game Commission regulations. The penalties described above are sobering enough, but being involved in a HRSI is serious in another regard.

Lives are profoundly impacted. The enjoyment that the shooter and the victim once received from turkey hunting is forever lost. My brother had to leave his profession early because of the lingering affects of his injuries. He cannot hunt alone, because he cannot readily walk and carry a firearm on rough terrain. Since being shot, he has hunted spring gobblers and fall turkeys only a handful of times. Prior to being disabled by the negligent act of another hunter, he was an avid turkey hunter, enthusiastic about calling longbeards in the spring and hunting fall flocks. I do not know how the incident affected the man who shot my brother, but I can see firsthand the impact of my brother’s “serious bodily injury.” Every time you take to the woods remember the penalties associated with these incidents. Think about the impact HRSIs have on lives. Remember that more than 70 percent of turkey HRSIs are classified as “shot for game.” In those incidents, one hunter consciously points a firearm at another and pulls the trigger, all while failing to properly identify his target. Don’t think for an instant that you could not make a mistake. Be careful, hunt defensively, handle every firearm as if it were loaded, positively identify your target and make certain what is beyond. Remember: Each of us is responsible for our actions. Follow all the common sense rules of hunting safety. Think Safety, Hunt Safely!

TURKEY HUNTING SAFETY TIPS
Positively identify your target: Be certain the bird is fully and plainly visible before pulling the trigger. Don’t shoot at sounds or movement. Never stalk a turkey: Movement or sounds you think are a turkey may be another hunter. Be patient, let the bird come to you. Protect your back: Select a large tree, rock or other natural barrier while calling. Hunt in open woods. Shout “STOP” to alert approaching hunters: Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert others of your position. Dress to be safe: Never wear red, white, blue or black clothing. These are the colors found on mature gobblers. Cover up: Don’t carry harvested birds in the open. Cover them with fluorescent orange or completely conceal from view in a game bag. Be seen: Wear or display fluorescent orange, even when not required. 8 GAME NEWS

Pennsylvania Game News - March 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - March 2011