Hunting season is in full swing in the East Kootenay, and the Conservation Officer Service has a couple of messages for hunters.

The bow season started September 1 and the rifle season for many animals began on September 10.

Conservation officer Jared Connatty wants hunters to be prepared.

"Make sure you refer to the hunting and trapping synopsis before heading out," he said.

There have been some changes made to the regulations this year, so it's best to check while you are planning a trip.

Already, the service is responding to complaints about hunters trespassing on private land, Connatty said.

"Use respect to landowners and private property. We run into lots of trespass issues this time of year," he said. "People need to be cognisant of private land and landowners before they go out hunting. Stick to Crown land or obtain permission from those places that are private."

Carry your hunting license with you at all time, Connatty reminded, not in your vehicle but on your person.

And if a hunter should accidentally harvest an animal illegally, the conservation officer encourages them to report it themselves.

"If a person harvests an animal that is not legal and they chalk it up to being an accidental harvest, we encourage folks to self-report," said Connatty. "Contact us and say, 'Look, I've harvested an animal that's not open.' Provide us with some circumstances and report themselves."

Doing that may save you some trouble, he added.

"There is always some discretion when that happens and there is always some leniency when they go to the extent of self reporting," said Connatty.

To self-report or tell the conservation officer service about poachers, polluters or anything else, call 1-877-952-7277.

The hunting regulations can be viewed at www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/.