As firearm deer hunting season opens this weekend, DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner reminds hunters to take a few extra moments to ensure everyone's safety.

Shofner advises hunters to know what's beyond the intended target before pulling the trigger:

[audio:11191581221-111815ShofnerHuntingSafety1.mp3] [/audio]

Shofner also reminds hunters that firearms must not be loaded when transported. The sheriff says hunters should take care of their own safety as well, especially when climbing into tree stands:

[audio:11191581222-111815ShofnerHuntingSafety2.mp3] [/audio]

The first firearm deer season is this weekend. The second season is the first weekend of December.