WEST CARLETON – It’s almost time to break out the orange and head to the bush.

Mid-September generally marks the start of the hunting season for small game and waterfowl with moose and deer to follow. The OPP and police in Quebec are reminding hunters to keep safety the priority.

On the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website it says hunting season for grouse, partridge, rabbit and fox squirrel opened last Sunday (Sept. 15). Bear hunting started on the Sept. 1 and continues until the end of November.

Const. Shawn Peever with the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP says it’s important to always wear orange, never shoot your firearm over a roadway or from a vehicle and let others know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

“Other safety tips include never drink alcohol or consume drugs while hunting, certainly if you hunt from a tree stand, always wear a safety harness and use a rope to raise and lower your firearm,” Peever said.

Moose hunting season runs from Oct. 19 to 25 and deer season is from Nov. 4 to 17. Residents can hunt wolf and coyote all year round. The OPP says about 800,000 hunting licenses were sold last year in Ontario generating around $26 million.

Police say whether you practice bow, crossbow or rifle hunting you are to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Firearms must be licensed and properly stores and you need tags for whatever you’re hunting. MNRF Hunting Information is available here.

• Courtesy Oldies 107.7 FM