Doublezranch
Well-Known Member
You've been waiting months or even years to be drawn for this and its finally here. You have planned for months and feel extremely prepared for the hunt of a lifetime. You've gone over your list, driving routes and are prepared for anything that the great outdoors can throw at you. There is one crucial thing that you may not be prepared for, and that is a vehicle accident.
As we know animals are on the move this time of year. The largest to the smallest of game, the weather turns these critters into motion for many reasons. Most of us hunt in several states which means there is significant travel involved. Although hitting these game animals is a very common occurrence, I want to talk about another common occurrence that happens that we overlook. Hitting livestock. Most of us hunt in areas of free range. Traveling at night in these areas can be treacherous or even deadly. Hitting a 1000 lbs cow or horse can be devastating. Here are some tips in case this happens to you out in the field.
1. First and foremost, Make sure everyone is alright.
2. Take notes. Note the weather condition, your speed, your exact location. Note the condition of the livestock, crippled, dead, etc. Note the ear tag of the animal. Most importantly, note the time and take pictures of the vehicle and the animal. Note the names and birthdates of everyone in the car. Note the time the sheriffs office is called, the time they arrive, the questions they asked and what they take pictures of. BE METICULOUS!
3. If you have cell service, call the sheriffs department. Tell them what you hit and your location (if you can). If you don't have cell service and your truck is undrivable, either find the nearest ranch or wait for a passerby.
4. If your truck is drivable, (DO NOT JUST DRIVE AWAY and pretend it didn't happen) head to the nearest ranch and ask who the owner of the animal is. Get their information and give them yours.
5. If the ranch is leasing to the owner of the livestock, Call the owner of the animal and explain what happened. More than likely you will get a heartfelt thank you for doing the right thing. Many livestock are hit each year that are not turned in. This can be a significant loss for the rancher.
6. If the animal is not dead, do not euthanize the animal. Let the owner of the animal or the sheriffs deputy do this. Livestock has a price value, and sometimes it can be pretty high. Leaving the final judgement to the owner of the animal clears you from answering other questions.
7. Call your insurance agent immediately after the accident. Give them preliminary information of what happened, and let them know you will be emailing your detailed notes and pictures as soon as the situation has played out.
Every situation is different with lots of different variables. These are simply high level steps to help manage the situation. These situations can be very scary when they happen and if you are prepared, it makes the situation much easier to except. Please be careful this hunting season and enjoy your time in the outdoors.
Jayson
As we know animals are on the move this time of year. The largest to the smallest of game, the weather turns these critters into motion for many reasons. Most of us hunt in several states which means there is significant travel involved. Although hitting these game animals is a very common occurrence, I want to talk about another common occurrence that happens that we overlook. Hitting livestock. Most of us hunt in areas of free range. Traveling at night in these areas can be treacherous or even deadly. Hitting a 1000 lbs cow or horse can be devastating. Here are some tips in case this happens to you out in the field.
1. First and foremost, Make sure everyone is alright.
2. Take notes. Note the weather condition, your speed, your exact location. Note the condition of the livestock, crippled, dead, etc. Note the ear tag of the animal. Most importantly, note the time and take pictures of the vehicle and the animal. Note the names and birthdates of everyone in the car. Note the time the sheriffs office is called, the time they arrive, the questions they asked and what they take pictures of. BE METICULOUS!
3. If you have cell service, call the sheriffs department. Tell them what you hit and your location (if you can). If you don't have cell service and your truck is undrivable, either find the nearest ranch or wait for a passerby.
4. If your truck is drivable, (DO NOT JUST DRIVE AWAY and pretend it didn't happen) head to the nearest ranch and ask who the owner of the animal is. Get their information and give them yours.
5. If the ranch is leasing to the owner of the livestock, Call the owner of the animal and explain what happened. More than likely you will get a heartfelt thank you for doing the right thing. Many livestock are hit each year that are not turned in. This can be a significant loss for the rancher.
6. If the animal is not dead, do not euthanize the animal. Let the owner of the animal or the sheriffs deputy do this. Livestock has a price value, and sometimes it can be pretty high. Leaving the final judgement to the owner of the animal clears you from answering other questions.
7. Call your insurance agent immediately after the accident. Give them preliminary information of what happened, and let them know you will be emailing your detailed notes and pictures as soon as the situation has played out.
Every situation is different with lots of different variables. These are simply high level steps to help manage the situation. These situations can be very scary when they happen and if you are prepared, it makes the situation much easier to except. Please be careful this hunting season and enjoy your time in the outdoors.
Jayson
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