The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to make safety a priority as they head to the field for the start of the Illinois Firearm Deer Season this week.  Last year, there were 26 hunting incidents reported in Illinois, 3 of which resulted in fatalities.  There have been 14 hunting incidents reported in the state so far during 2013.  Eleven of the hunting incidents reported last year involved tree stand falls.  When using a tree stand, hunters should make sure they are using a full body safety harness, also known as a Fall Arrest System.  Other safety reminders when hunting with a firearm include treating every firearm as if it were loaded and never assume a firearm is unloaded, always point a firearm in a safe direction, be sure of your target and make sure there are no other hunters, homes, buildings, vehicles or other animals beyond your target.  Also, keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.  For more information on Illinois deer hunting regulations, check the IDNR website at this link www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/deer.