With hunting season upon us, RCMP want to make sure you stay safe.

Following a string of incidents, hunters are reminded to brush up on the basics of safety.

“Nobody thinks it can happen to them, but it can. At this time of year, a snowmobile or ATV breakdown in the middle of nowhere can be fatal if you don’t have the supplies you need to survive until help arrives,” said RCMP Sergeant Jack Poitras. “Many remote areas do not have cell phone coverage, so it is critical that someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back.”

Weather can play a crucial role heading into the winter months, with freezing rain and snow making an overnight stay in the woods extremely difficult.

One of the most important parts of safe hunting is firearm safety. One of the most common errors made by hunters is using the wrong ammunition.

"This is shotgun season for waterfowl, and some shotguns are not made to hold 3.5" or 3" shells, they can only hold 2.75", so they have to read the makers mark on the barrel to make sure that they don't put the wrong size ammunition in." said Bob Gruszecki, President, Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association (AHEIA).

Gruszecki adds that safety comes first, and that the success of a hunt is based on the experience, not just how much you kill.

Albertans have access to a number of resources and programs to help brush up on their safety and hunting education.

For more information, visit the AHEIA website.