Keeping Muzzleloader Shooting Safe

Muzzleloader shooting is a safe activity only when all safety rules are observed.

Three factors play a role in the majority of firearm incidents:

• Safety violations
• Hunter judgment mistakes
• Lack of skill

Firearm Deaths Chart

Almost all hunting incidents are caused by poor judgment, carelessness, or lack of safety training with a firearm—and almost all are preventable.

• Most firearm incidents occur in the home.
  • Store ammunition in a separate location.
  • Keep firearms secure.
  • Handle firearms safely at all times—not just on the hunt.
• Most incidents involving muzzleloaders are self-inflicted.
• The average hunter involved in a fatal accident is 32 years old.
• For hunters older than 18, most fatal hunting accidents occur for one of two reasons.
  • The hunter fails to identify his target and what lies beyond it.
  • The firearm is discharged in a boat, motor vehicle, or off-road vehicle.
• No single factor has reduced hunting incidents as much as wearing hunter orange.
  • The color is not found in nature, so it is easily seen by other hunters.
  • Most game animals are not alerted because they may see the color differently from humans.
  • Many states require that you wear hunter orange while hunting. Be sure to check your local regulations.

Know Your Muzzleloader: It Just Might Save Your Life Most muzzleloader incidents result from ignorance about the firearm.