Other Outdoor Hazards
Diseases and Parasites
Wildlife can carry infectious diseases or parasites. Some of these diseases and parasites can spread to humans.
To protect against these risks:
- Wear latex gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing when handling wildlife or scat.
- Wash hands and arms thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals.
- Do not use household knives or utensils.
- Disinfect knives, fleshing tools, cutting surfaces, fleshing boards, and other equipment after use. Use a solution of 1 cup household chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.
- Do not approach animals that seem sick, act strange, or exhibit any symptoms of disease.
- Do not drink lake or stream water that has not been purified, preferably by boiling.
- Cook all wild game properly.
Animal Bites
If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal:
- Wash wounds thoroughly.
- Apply bandages.
- Seek medical attention.
If possible, confine the animal for observation. Otherwise, kill it without damaging the head. Public health officials can test the brain tissue for rabies.
Bodygrip Traps
Large bodygrip traps can be a hazard if you do not know how to use them. When working with these traps, always carry a setting tool, a safety gripper, and a length of rope with a loop in it. If you close a trap on yourself, you can use the rope to get free.
Car Safety
Trappers frequently keep an eye out for furbearer signs and habitats. Be careful when driving to your trapping location.
- Wear a seatbelt.
- While driving, keep both eyes on the road!
Visibility
Always make sure you are visible to hunters. Wear hunter orange clothing, especially if you are trapping during a season when hunters are required to wear orange.
