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A Hunting We Will Go…

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Adults
Parents
Poison Safety & Prevention

Poison Targets

Fall is here, and that means hunting season, too.  So we’re taking aim at some of the poison areas that can be troublesome for the hunter and his family.

Let’s start with the substances used to keep firearms in good shape.  Gun bluing protects a gun from rust and corrosion.  But it doesn’t protect the curious, thirsty child who may mistake this liquid for a soft drink.  Gun bluing contains a variety of acids and other chemicals which can cause serious burns and damage to several of the body’s organs.  If it is accidentally ingested by a child, immediately call your Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for specific instructions.

Another poison target is gun powder solvents and gun lubricants because they contain alcohols and petroleum products, which are also dangerous substances if swallowed by a young child.

We’re Game If You Are…
After killing your game, field dress as soon as possible.  Cool the meat as soon as you can to improve the meat’s quality and to decrease the chances of food poisoning.  If you freeze your game, thaw and rinse it before cooking.  Cook it thoroughly and never allow cooked game to sit for prolonged periods or without refrigeration.

Let us not forget the invisible killer, carbon monoxide, which is a major contributor to hunter’s deaths each year.  Hunters who camp and use heating devices in enclosed spaces or who go back to their vehicles to warm up and accidentally fall asleep with their motors running – these too are the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. To prevent carbon monoxide deaths:

  • Don’t burn heaters in unventilated spaces.
  • Don’t warm your hands and feet at the exhaust pipe of your vehicle.
  • Remember that fresh air is the best treatment for CO.

Texas Poison Center Network’s best shot at preventing accidental poisonings or deaths related to hunting are:

  • Store bluing and other rust and corrosion prevention chemicals in a locked cabinet.
  • Store gun powder solvents and gun lubricants out of children’s reach or in a locked cabinet.
  • Know and avoid the sources of carbon monoxide poisoning

If you suspect an accidental poisoning or have question about any hunting product, call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

Safe hunting!