TARGET IDENTIFICATION TROUBLE:
Buck/Stag fever is the term given for when emotions, tiredness or excitement can override rational thinking. Your mind can play tricks on you, making you “see” what you expect/want to see, resulting in objects (often people) looking like game.
Especially when hunting on DOC land other hunters can be nearby, imitating the calls of Game or carrying a deer through the bush. Hunters have been shot when carrying deer due to the sight of deer skin and antlers moving. You must always focus your mind towards expecting a person before assuming it is an animal.
Keep your finger away from the trigger until you can positively identify that it is a safe and accurate target. It is recommended to always wear bright coloured clothing to ensure you can be easily identified at all times including dim/fading light or under bush cover. Whilst this can help, it is only useful if all hunters correctly identify their targets at all times.
In order to correctly identify their target hunters should always use binoculars as well as a rifle telescopic sight. These tools can result in tunnel vision, limiting your view on either side, sweep the telescope or binoculars from side to side to ensure there are no people close to your target or field of fire.
Regardless of strategies that may or may not be used by hunters to be seen, it is always the responsibility of the shooter to clearly identify the target.
BE AWARE OF YOUR FIRING ZONE
You must be aware of what you could possibly hit between you and your target, and the area beyond your target. Hunters must consider what could happen if they miss their target.
Sights must be set up correctly to prevent rounds going far beyond or not reaching the target.