WISCONSIN — Saturday Nov. 18 kicked off the 2023 gun deer season in Wisconsin. The nine-day season runs through Nov. 26. 

Michael Weber, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, stressed hunting safety on the opening day of the season. 

"One of the most important things that we always stress, whether you've been hunting for 30 years or you're just starting for the first time, is to follow the four main rules of firearm safety, which are taught in our hunter education course, otherwise known as 'TABK,'" he said. 

TABK stands for "treat every firearm as if it is loaded," "always point the muzzle in a safe direction," "be certain of your target and what's beyond" and "keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot." 

Additionally, hunters should make sure their gear is in proper working order. Before going hunting, the DNR said hunters should clean their firearms and inspect them for any signs of mechanical wear. If there is mechanical wear, there could be a problem when they're hunting in the field. 

In addition to firearms, clothing and other hunting gear should be inspected. The DNR said if there is wear and tear that could compromise safety, the equipment should be repaired or replaced. This includes blaze orange clothing that has faded, an ill-fitting jacket or a cope that isn't adjusted properly. 

Watch the full interview above.