As the big game hunting season continues Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters to be careful in all aspects of their hunting adventures. While few hunters are injured from firearm accidents, other activities in the field can cause problems.

If a heater, stove or lantern that burns gas or oil is being used in an enclosed space such as a tent or a camper, adequate ventilation is needed to assure carbon monoxide is expelled and that clean air circulates through.

Use high-quality sleeping bags that are rated for low temperatures and also pads that provide extra insulation and keep the bottom of the bag off the ground.

Hunters should always be prepared to spend the night outside in case bad weather moves in or they become lost. In a pack, hunters should carry matches, a compass or GPS unit, flashlight, extra batteries, a space blanket, signaling device, rain gear, and a hat and gloves.

Wildlife officials advise hunters to cut slowly while field-dressing big game. Hunters who are not familiar with field-dressing can view a video on the CPW web site at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/HuntVideos.aspx; many videos also are available on YouTube.

Hunters are always urged to be extra careful while handling their rifles. A majority of firearm mishaps happen in and around vehicles while guns are being loaded and unloaded. It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle in Colorado.

Colorado’s big-game rifle seasons start Oct. 15 and continue through Nov. 20.

For more hunting and survival tips, check out these articles on the CPW web site:

http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=5858.