Some important tips before heading out to hunt

(LaGrange, Mo.)  Since hunting season began in the Tri-States, there have been five hunting related deaths.

And the causes have varied, one tree stand accident, one bow accident and two carbon monoxide deaths.

KHQA's Jarod Wells talked to a conservation agent with the Missouri Department of Conservation to get some tips to keep hunters safe.

"One thing is, remain safety conscious," said Conservation Agent Brock McArdle.

McArdle has been a conservation agent with the Missouri Department of Conservation for three and a half years. He says some of the worst accidents he has seen have been hunters falling out of tree stands.

"You want to make sure that you have a safe tree stand, that's sturdy and can hold your weight," said McArdle.

And if you do fall, it's important to be wearing a proper harness.

"The best harness recommended today is a full body harness that has straps that go underneath your legs and around your chest," said McArdle.

Nobody expects to fall, but you should be ready with a plan to get back into your stand if you ever do fall.

"Whenever you're out gun hunting you have a firearm, so you have safety concerns there. A hunter should always practice safe gun handling techniques," said McArdle.

Those include always keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction and having the safety on until you are ready to shoot.  And being sure of your target once you're ready to shoot.  Also, remember to keep in mind what's behind your target.

"Because if you shoot, that bullet's going to travel and it can go through the deer or miss the deer all together and then whatever is behind the target, it could hit it," said McArdle.

McArdle says if you are unsure about a shot, do not take it.

"Once you fire that bullet, you can never call it back, it's gone forever," said McArdle.

We told you that two hunting related deaths in the Tri-States came from carbon monoxide poison.

McArdle says when you are using equipment to cook or keep warm, it is extremely important to read all safety instructions before using them.

And pay attention to where you are using those devices.

"The main thing with carbon monoxide is have good ventilation. Do not use some of these things when the windows are closed in your camper or tent. Make sure that you have good air flow when they're working," said McArdle.

McArdle also says to bring plenty of clothing on your hunting trips.

Be ready for warm weather, cool weather, rain or snow.

And maybe most importantly remember to wear some sort of hunter orange clothing.