The archery deer season opens bright and early Thursday morning and the Department of Natural Resources is providing a safety reminder for hunters ahead of the start of the busiest time of the year for conservation police.

CPO Sergeant John Williamson anticipates the cool weather being a huge draw for hunters this weekend.

As hunters embark on returning to their tree stands, Williamson says falls from tree stands continues to be one of the top accident calls they get. He is imploring hunters to give their stands a thorough inspection before they get up in them this weekend and throughout the hunting season.

According to Williamson, tree stand thefts continue to be an issue. If hunters leave their tree stands at their site, he encourages securing it to the tree as much as possible. Another good precaution to take is to mark the stand and make a note of it, that can help in recovering it if it is stolen.

Waterfowl season opens in mid-October followed by upland at the start of November and much-anticipated shotgun deer season opens the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

For all the latest in hunting information, visit dnr.illinois.gov.