SCSO: Hunt safe

Tens of thousands of hunters will soon head into the wildlands of Wyoming with hopes to land the trophy of a lifetime. The Wyoming Game and Fish told Sheridan Media that in 2020, over 74,000 elk tags were issued throughout the state.

But the wildlands of Wyoming are still a very dangerous place. Every year, hunters go missing. Many will consider the possibility of an animal attack. Although rare, incidents involving animals do happen. But accidents such as twisting an ankle or taking a bone-breaking fall are more likely to cause even an experienced hunter trouble. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Devereaux Johnson suggested hunters take precautions and inform others of the area they will be hunting, just in case. 

Maps are available at the Bighorn National Forest, 2013 Eastside 2nd St., Sheridan. 

Other safety tips include: 

• Dress or carry clothing for the worst possible weather conditions.
• Carry more food and water than one may believe they need.
• Leave a small note of hunting plans or inform someone of the intended hunting location and estimated time of return. 

If a hunter is overdue, notify the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 307-672-3455.