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Official Maryland Hunting Safety Course Link to Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Hello, hunter! The Maryland online hunting course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Maryland course—the official hunting safety course of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Go to the new Maryland course

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

General 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.

Hunter casing rifle for safe transport

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 case

Material: Canvas, nylon, neoprene, polyester, or leather

Padded, soft-sided gun cases

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 case

Material: Aluminum or composite

Lockable, hard-sided gun cases

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 sock

Material: Durable stretch fabric (polyester/acrylic) or soft pile materials

Gun socks

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
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Maryland Hunting
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Official hunting safety course for Maryland hunters last modified: September 6, 2011
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