Saturday marks the opening day of the New York state rifle and shotgun seasons for bear and deer.

With the season comes a reminder from the DEC and State Police to remain safe while enjoying the sports of hunting.

Some safety tips hunters are encouraged to abide by include:

• Treating every gun as if it is loaded
• Wear bright orange
• Tell someone where you are going hunting
• Check your equipment
• Carry your hunting license
• Be sure of your target
"Hunters can make a decision in an intent that [can] cause issues for a lifetime. When a hunter is aiming at something - an animal, make sure he knows it's an animal and then subsequent to that look beyond the target, because you don't always hit what you're aiming at so make sure if you miss, there is nothing beyond your intended target that's going to be hit that shouldn't be," said Major Christopher Cummings, New York State Police.

Authorities say last year's hunting season tied 2009 as the safest on record.