Hunters heading into the woods for turkey season are encouraged to follow essential safety guidelines. These include keeping the muzzle of their firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times, treating every firearm as if it is loaded, and being certain of their target and what lies beyond it.
Additionally, hunters should keep their finger outside the trigger guard until they are ready to shoot. These precautions help prevent accidental discharges and ensure a safe hunting experience, according to authorities.
The state recommends that all hunters, especially those born on or after Jan. 1, 1972, complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. The course covers firearm safety, first aid, wildlife identification, conservation, and other topics to promote responsible outdoor recreation.
Hunters can find courses online or locate in-person classes through the Missouri Department of Conservation at https://www.mdwfp.com/enforcement-education/hunter-education.
