As hunting weekend nears, caution urged

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Hunters begin hiking into the woods across western New York on Saturday for the opening day of firearms season.

State Police are reminding hunters to be extra cautious. Anyone walking in the woods should wear bright orange clothing and police say every gun should be treated as if it is loaded.

Capt. Frank Lauricella said, "And very, very important: be sure of your target and what's beyond it. It's very important to realize once you discharge your firearm you can't call that bullet back. So be aware of your target and what's beyond it."

There were four hunting-related deaths in New York State last year. And recently, a hunter on the southern tier was sentenced to a year in jail for firing a shot that hit a school bus full of children. He is appealing that sentence.