Firearm Safety

By T.L. Bush

Basic Hunters Firearm Safety

There are way too many hunting accidents that occur across America every year. Most of these accidents should have been avoided by practicing a few basic gun safety techniques.

That’s not a stick you are using.

If your gun came with an owner’s manual, read it. Practice taking your gun apart and inspecting it thoroughly.  If you know what your gun looks like normally, you will be quick to recognize any abnormalities of the gun in the field.  If you drop your gun or fall while carrying it,  inspect it for damage.  Make sure that it operates smoothly.  If you are in doubt about the integrity of your gun, don’t fire it.

Educate yourself about the ammunition that you choose to use.  A bullet fired from a rifle can travel over two miles.

Hauling your gun

Always keep your gun unloaded or on safety until you are ready to fire.  If you are going to hike to a new location, unload before starting out.  Never carry a loaded gun in your vehicle or on an ATV, in most states it’s against the law, and many require it to be secured in a closed case.

“I THINK”, don’t get it. KNOW what you are shooting at.

When sighting up your shot, there are many things to consider before pulling the trigger.   Never shoot at a partially obscured target.  Identify your prey fully before even raising your gun to take a shot.  If you are in doubt about what is moving, control your excitement and wait until the target can be fully visualized.

Know what is in front of and behind your target before shooting.  Do not shoot animals that appear on hilltops and near the tops of ridges as you cannot identify what may be behind your target.

If your game is near water, rocks, or buildings, keep in mind that bullets can ricochet off hard surfaces.

Treat your gun as if it is loaded at all times!

Never look down the barrel of a gun for any reason.  Keep your muzzle pointed away from yourself and others at all times.  Learn and use various safe carrying positions for your rifle in the field.

Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drink and hunt!

Never go hunting or handle a gun if you have had any alcohol or medication that may impair your judgment.  Even a sleeping pill the night before can affect your reflexes during the day.

Get plenty of rest the night before your trip and go home early if you find yourself becoming drowsy.

Sighting your game is exciting.  It’s important to keep a level head at all times and not let your emotions cloud your judgment.  Don’t allow yourself to get “Buck Fever” without thinking through the action to determine if it’s safe first.

It’s better to be seen and not heard!

Include Hunter Orange in your choice of head gear and upper body clothing.  This helps other hunters in the area distinguish you from the prey.

Have a safe hunt.