Hunters asked to watch for, report unexploded ordnance while at Fort McCoy

FORT McCOY (WITI) -- During Wisconsin's gun-deer season Nov. 22-30, hundreds of hunters will take to the field in designated areas on Fort McCoy. While out, officials ask hunters to be watchful for any unexploded ordnance (UXO) they may encounter.

UXO results from the military use of munitions during live-fire training or testing, said Range Safety Officer Brad Vieth of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security Range Management Branch. Artillery and mortar rounds are the most-common types of UXO encountered at Fort McCoy.

Several instances of UXO were discovered in past years, Vieth said. And, although ordnance usually appears near current or former training areas, it could be found anywhere at Fort McCoy.

UXO should be treated as if it has the potential to explode and could cause serious injury. Anyone who encounters UXO should remember the three "Rs" of explosive safety - recognize, retreat and report.

Hunters who encounter or see UXO at the installation should call the Fort McCoy Police Department at 608-388-2000 and report what they saw, where they saw it and if they were able to mark the area.

Anyone who encounters a marked or guarded location with UXO at Fort McCoy should avoid the site, Vieth said. People who encounter UXO off post are advised to call the local law-enforcement office in their community.