Sheriff`s Corner

Hi everyone. Welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. I've chosen hunting and gun safety for this week's topic. When I thought about this topic I immediately thought about what a wonderful county we live in because of the wild life. Wild life that is almost everywhere.

Because I like to hunt and fish and also have a son that is growing up to be a hunter and fisherman I know the importance of becoming educated in the sport of hunting. This, of course includes equipment, clothing and the weapons we choose to hunt with. I also realize that there are many men, women and children who hunt in Levy County and other areas of our state and country.

So the purpose for this column is to remind everyone that accidents happen. We investigate several deaths during the hunting seasons every year. Deaths, that, I feel, could be avoided. For me to tell you to make sure of your target may for some almost seem like an insult. Believe me it's not. I know that anyone of you would be devastated if you accidentally took another's life. Not to mention the effect it would have on the family of the deceased.

Anyway take good care of your weapon, keep it clean and in good working order. Also, please don't forget to maintain clothing, knives, climbing gear, bows, arrows and vehicles, etc. This may seem simple or elementary but just this past weekend a friend of mine almost fell out of his tree stand and tree. He was convinced he was about to fall, just hanging on. He didn't fall but came away with a sore set of ribs. And he was an experienced hunter.

So have fun, be careful and I hope you get the trophy you are looking for. Take care.