(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding all hunters to make safety a top priority when in the field this year.

Fall Archery season opens Oct. 1 for deer and turkey throughout Illinois.

According to the IDNR, while hunting is one of the safest forms of outdoor recreation, thanks to the diligence of law-abiding and safety-minded hunters, incidents do happen. Last year in Illinois, there were 26 hunting incidents, one of them fatal. There have been six hunting incidents reported in the state so far in 2012. 

"Whether in a blind or a tree stand, it is crucial that hunters are acutely aware of their surroundings including fellow hunters. Never take a shot without knowing what is beyond your target and always use the proper working equipment when ascending or descending from a tree stand,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller

(KFVS) - Shawnee National Forest will host an outdoor education program this summer called ArborWild.

The program began as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s Centennial Celebrations in 2005 and has been very popular. This year, it will be held at two locations in southern Illinois: Tuesday, June 12 at Evergreen Park, in Carbondale and Wednesday, June 13 at Memorial Park in Harrisburg.

The forest say the day will include a bird obstacle course, fishing, wildland firefighters and their engine, crafts, Native American rock art, Nature Jeopardy, Carbondale Science Center (Evergreen Park site only), bat biologists and a visit from Smokey Bear.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., however the activities are on-going and the public is welcome at any time. All ages are invited to attend, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, or to register a large group, you can contact Linda Hauser at 618-833-8576.