AUSTIN, TX – With archery season for deer already under way, and the rifle season in the North and South zones only three weeks away, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is cautioning hunters to be careful in handling the game they harvest.

  It is not common, but some diseases can spread from wildlife to humans. One such disease is anthrax, which is caused by naturally occurring bacteria found in soil. Animals can come down with the disease by swallowing anthrax spores while grazing. Humans, in turn, can contract the disease through touching infected animals, either alive or dead, or consuming their meat.

  Other conditions, including tularemia, brucellosis and rabies also can be transmitted to people through direct contact with live animals or while field dressing harvested game. In addition, insects and ticks can transmit West Nile virus, Lyme disease, plague and other diseases.

  Fortunately for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, safety methods are easy. Using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants is the simple way to prevent illnesses that can be passed to humans by mosquitos and ticks.

  Health professionals also advise wearing gloves while cleaning game or when cutting and packaging meat. And be sure to wash your hands when you are finished.

  The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends the following precautions:

  * Do not harvest animals that appear ill or are acting abnormally.

  * Wear latex-type gloves when dressing game.

  * Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling game. If soap is not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative.

  * Consider eye protection when dressing game to prevent contact between fluids or tissues and eyes. Shooting glasses provide an adequate level of protection in most cases.

  * Avoid eating, drinking, using tobacco, or rubbing eyes while dressing game.

  * Do not touch non-hunter-killed dead animals or their remains, including antlers, bones and hides.

  * Use an approved insect repellent and follow the instructions on the label. EPA-approved repellents include those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus/p-Menthane-3,8-diol.

  * Stay on trails and avoid areas of overgrown brush and tall grasses.

  * Wear protective clothing such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants tucked into boots or socks, and check frequently for ticks.

  Additional disease information for hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts is available at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/outdoor/outtips.pdf.

  The preceding article contains tips we hunters need to exercise regardless of where we hunt this season or what kind of game we pursue. Be sure to click on the link above for a more detailed look at the tips and visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ for everything outdoor Texas. - Editor

  Sometimes, when I'm wound up real good and relaying one of my more "interestin" tales, I'm accused of exaggerating, augmenting and yes, even lying! True! Yes me accused of lying about my hunting dogs, feats or my own hunting prowess. I know it's hard to believe.

  Now let me assure you that I am fully aware that any man who has more than one coon hound is bound to lie sooner or later. Well, I've never had more than one hound at a time, but over the years I have had several.

  My first real coon hound was a big ole redbone named Satch. He was what ya call a real good'n. This dog was so adept at not only running and treeing coons, but he would just a soon hunt all by himself. He was a big dog and could actually jump up against a tree trunk and shake those coons right on out of there. He didn't need me to slow things down.

  When I was a young man, there was a thriving market for coon hides. The fur buyers however insisted the hides be stretched and cured. I made myself some hide stretchers from stiff wire. They weren't fancy, just more or less a triangle with a rounded point. I made three sizes: small, larger and great big. After only a few hunts and Satch watching me stretch a hide over those frames, he knew as soon as I brought the frames out, it was time to fetch a coon. He would eye the frames, sniff at the great big 'un then take off into the woods. Pretty soon, he'd be back with a big old coon and I'd skin it out and stretch the hide over that frame.

  Early on, Satch would occasionally bring in a coon too small to sell, but soon enough, he only caught the really big ones. Seems he took it as a challenge and really prided himself on the size of his quarry. This very satisfactory arrangement went on for many years. Yeah buddy, the money was rollin’ in. Coon hides back in those days fetched upwards of five, six, maybe even seven dollars! I was probably the wealthiest 12 year old in town! Visions of fancy pick-ups, Buck knives and huge kennels with concrete floors danced in my head.

  It was the life alright. I just pulled out the stretchers and good old reliable Satch would spring off into the woods and return with a big coon. I had it made in the shade!

  That all changed, however.

  One day, my mother bought a new ironing board and told me to take the old one out to the barn and stash it. Old Satch took one look at that big rounded triangle and took off for the woods and hasn't come home yet.

  That was in 1983.

  HARRISBURG, Pa. (Oct. 31) – When sunny days and fall foliage tempt the boater in you, don’t forget about your life jacket, especially if you are planning to use a canoe, kayak or similar small boat. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding boaters that beginning November 1 and lasting through April 30, they are required to wear a life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any canoe or kayak. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters.

  “Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on a boat,” says Laurel Anders, director of the PFBC Bureau of Boating and Outreach. “According to Pennsylvania’s boating accident reports, almost 80 percent of all boating fatalities happen to boaters not wearing a life jacket. A disproportionate number of the fatalities occur during the months of November through April. During these cold weather months, boaters are especially at risk due to the water temperature and the risk of sudden cold water immersion.”

  When a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water below 70ºF, the body’s first response is usually an involuntary gasp. Without a life jacket, a victim may inhale while under water and drown without coming back to the surface. If an individual does make it back to the surface, his ability to swim is usually restricted because of a shortness of breath or hyperventilation.

  Individuals who plan to fish, boat or hunt from a boat this fall or winter are encouraged to follow these cold water survival safety tips:

  * Always wear a life jacket, even when not required. Many models also offer insulation from cold air. Read the life jacket’s approval label to be sure it’s appropriate for your boating activity.

  * Never boat alone.

  * Leave a float plan with family or friends and know the waters you plan to boat.

  * Bring a fully charged cell phone with you in case of emergency.

  * Wear clothing that still insulates when wet, such as fleece, polypropylene or other synthetics.

  * If you are about to fall into cold water, cover your mouth and nose with your hands. This will reduce the likelihood of inhaling water.

  * If possible, stay with the boat. Get back into or climb on top of the boat.

  * While in cold water, do not remove your clothing.

  * If you can’t get out of the water, get into the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). In this position, individuals bring their knees to their chest and hug them with their arms.

  * Once out of the water, remove wet clothes and warm up as soon as possible.

  * Seek medical attention when necessary. Some effects of exposure to cold temperatures can be delayed.

  To learn more about life jacket wear and cold water survival, visit http://fishandboat.com/safety.htm or www.wearitpennsylvania.com or the Safe Boating Campaigns website at http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/new-jacket-pages/angling-hunting-jackets.htm.

  For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

  The preceding article contains tips everyone who uses a boat this winter needs to exercise regardless if you are hunting, fishing or just joy riding. Remember that wearing a PFD is a good idea year round. - Editor