By SCOTT MACKENTHUN
Columnist

Turkey season has begun around the state and unfortunately it began on a very somber note with the sad story of a mistaken shooting of 8-year-old Hunter Klaseus near Belle Plaine. Hunting accidents do happen, yet hunting is far safer statistically than organized sports. The tragic Sibley county accident overshadows what will again be a very successful Department of Natural Resources and National Wild Turkey Federation series of mentored youth hunts.

Hunting is a safe and enjoyable activity but needs support and youth participation now more than ever. Stay safe this turkey season and don’t hesitate to bring along a youngster to introduce them to the outdoors.

Here are a couple Minnesota DNR turkey hunting tips for a safe hunt:

< Assume everything that moves is another hunter until you can positively identify it.

< Cover your entire head and body in camouflage. An exposed face or hand can be mistaken for part of a turkey.

< Don’t wear red, white or blue because these colors are associated with toms.

< Wear a hunter-orange vest and hat when moving in the woods.

< Cover harvested turkeys with camouflage or hunter-orange cloth to carry them out of the woods.

< Identify yourself to other hunters by shouting. Never wave because the movement could draw fire from a careless shooter.

< Attend a turkey-hunting clinic listed on the DNR Web site.