Rounder
Official Alaska Hunting Safety Course Link to Alaska Department of Fish & Game

Hello, hunter! Alaska's online hunting course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Alaska course—the official hunting safety course of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Go to the new Alaska course

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Alaska certification.

Safely Transporting Firearms

Transporting firearms involves both legal and safe practices. In addition to federal laws, there are regulations that vary from state to state. Firearm incidents often occur when hunters load or unload a firearm while in a vehicle or carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Hunter casing rifle for safe transportGeneral Rules

Always unload and case firearms before transporting them. In many states, this may be the law. The action should be open or the gun broken down, whichever makes the firearm safest if it’s mishandled.

Firearms should not be displayed in window gun racks because the display may provoke anti-hunter sentiment. It’s also an invitation to thieves.

Lean a firearm against a secure rest only. A vehicle does not provide a secure resting place. A gun that falls over might accidentally discharge or be damaged.

Typical Gun Cases

Padded, soft-sided gun cases

Padded, soft-sided case

Materials: Canvas, nylon, neoprene, polyester, and leather

Advantages:

  • Light, easy to handle and store
  • Many designs accommodate scoped rifles
  • Offered in camouflage
  • Waterproof and floating cases available for duck hunters
  • Less costly than hard cases

Disadvantage:

  • Less protection than hard-sided cases
Lockable, hard-sided gun cases

Lockable, hard-sided case

Materials: Aluminum and composite (widely used by the U.S. military)

Advantages:

  • Lightweight but sturdy
  • Meets airline standards
  • Can include deep foam padding that holds firearm in place and cushions impact
  • Composite models can be molded to fit firearm
  • Available in waterproof models

Disadvantage:

  • Bulkier and costlier than soft-sided cases
Gun socks

Gun sock

Materials: Durable stretch fabric (polyester/acrylic) and soft pile materials

Advantages:

  • Lightweight protection from dust, dirt, and moisture
  • Offered in camouflage
  • Often used as a second case to carry a firearm from a vehicle into a hunting area

Disadvantage:

  • Minimal protection from elements or impact
Separator
Alaska Department
of Fish & Game
White-tailed deer tracks
< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >

Alaska Hunting
License Information
Official hunting safety course for Alaska hunters last modified: November 16, 2011
Email with questions or comments about this web site.
Questions? Call Today's Hunter at 1-800-830-2268 Questions? Call Today's Hunter at 1-800-830-2268
Copyright © 2002 - 2011 Kalkomey, Inc. All rights reserved.
Review Hunter Ed's privacy policy.

Visit Boat Ed for boating safety certification

Logo for Boat Ed 		Rounder