Nearly 200,000 hunters will take to Kansas fields in search of the pheasants, ducks, deer, rabbits and other game this fall.

With expectations high, it is important to review the basics of hunting safety with every member of your hunting party.

First, treat every gun as if it were loaded. Second, always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction. And, third, know your target and what lies beyond it.

Although hunter orange is required only during deer and elk firearms seasons, it is highly recommended for upland and small game hunters, when using blockers at the end of fields.

Emotions should be kept in check as well. A rooster bursting out of a thicket can give anyone a jolt, but no matter how excited a hunter gets it’s important to remember safety.

Hunters also should be courteous and respect private land and landowners. Many landowners will grant permission to hunters if approached with a friendly request, and state law requires permission before entering private land whether it’s posted.

Hunters should be especially respectful of working farmers and their equipment. Be sure not to impede them from doing their work. Hunters should also consider sharing the harvest with the landowner.

Hunters should be aware of the potential for discovering narcotic labs as they hunt the rural countryside. In recent years, pheasant hunters have stumbled upon meth labs and waste products. Meth is generally cooked outdoors in remote places.

If a hunter finds a backpack, gas can, thermos, cooler, box, bucket or any other suspicious item in the middle of nowhere, it should be left alone and authorities contacted.

Materials used to make meth may cause burns or respiratory problems if the waste products are touched or inhaled.

Finally, hunters need to take care of their dogs. Warm weather can cause problems for dogs in early November. Dog owners should regularly exercise their dog before hunting season, get their dog into the vet before the season for a thorough health check and be sure to have water available while hunting.

Pay attention to your dog while hunting. Abnormal behavior can be an early sign of fatigue or heat stress. Also, carry clean fresh water to keep the dogs hydrated.

Enjoy the hunt this fall and winter, but remember that you can never call a shot back, mend fences with an disrespected landowner or revive a dog that has been overworked.