Countdown to the Hunt: Monday - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Wisconsin's deer hunting season is approaching and state officials want hunters to be safe this season. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources discussed the nine-day gun deer season today in Waunakee. Officials say they were promoting the DCSO hunter sight-in program. They also discussed the importance of driving sober during the season.

Officials also talked about the importance of sighting-in a firearm. They say to be safe in the woods, requires being familiar with your firearms and your surroundings. Hunters are allowed to bring their guns into the Dane county sheriff's range until this Saturday when the state's gun deer hunting season begins.

With opening day inching closer it's extremely important to plan ahead. You don't want to be caught up with a bunch of busy work the morning of.  If you will be hunting out of a deer stand its best to get out there as soon as possible to check on the stability of the stand. Heading out to your land just to make sure that there is no rotting wood, missing steps or other repairs to be made is key to ensure your safety. If there are modifications that need to be tweaked then it's best to do it as soon as possible because construction isn't a quiet job.