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Basic Firearm Safety Every Hunter Should Know
from: Maxx Sports GuidesEvery year, hundreds of hunting accidents occur. A large number of these accidents may have been prevented if some basic gun safety techniques had been practiced.
Know Your Weapon
When you purchased your weapon it likely came with an owner's manual, so it's wise to read and study it. Spend some time practicing taking apart your weapon and inspecting it thoroughly. If you know what your weapon normally looks like, it will be much easier to recognize any abnormalities of the weapon in the field. If you should drop your weapon or it falls while carrying it, take it apart and inspect it for damage. Make sure the slide operates smoothly. If you're in doubt about the integrity of your rifle, don't fire it.
Learn everything you can about the ammunition you choose to use. A .22 caliber bullet fired from a rifle can travel over two and a half miles. It's important to know this in order to line up a safe shot.
Transporting the Weapon
Keep your weapon unloaded at all times until you're ready to fire. If you're hiking to a new location, unload before starting out. Store the rifle and ammunition separately and, when possible, keep the storage container locked. Never carry a loaded rifle in your vehicle or on an ATV.
Sighting Your Prey
When sighting up your intended shot, there are many considerations to be aware of before pulling the trigger. Never shoot at a partially obscured target and identify your prey fully before even raising your weapon to take a shot. If you're at all in doubt about what's moving, control your excitement and wait until the target can be fully seen. Never hunt after dusk or before daybreak.
Know what's in front of and behind your target before shooting. Don't shoot animals that appear on hilltops and near the tops of ridges as you can't 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. Don't use the gun's scope to sight your game. Use your binoculars first, and then, if the shot is clear, switch to the scope.
Always Treat Your Weapon as if it's Loaded
Never look down the barrel of a weapon for any reason. Always keep your muzzle pointed away from yourself and others and learn to use various safe carrying positions for transporting your rifle when in the field.
Keep a Clear Head
Never go hunting or handle a weapon if you've had alcohol or medication that may impair your judgment. Even a sleeping pill the night before can affect your reflexes the next day. Get plenty of rest the night before your trip and go home early if you find yourself getting drowsy.
Sighting a big buck or bird can be exciting but it's important to always maintain a level head and not let your emotions cloud your judgment. Don't allow yourself to act without first thinking through the action to determine if it's safe.
Wear Safety Gear
Bring along hearing and eye protection and wear both before shooting. Include safety orange when choosing head gear and upper body clothing. This helps other hunters in the area distinguish you from the prey.
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