Chapter 10: Safe Hunting
Skills
Why Firearm Safety Is Important
Whenever firearms are being handled, an incident can occur
if the firearm is not handled responsibly. Preventing hunting-related
shooting incidents, or HRSIs, depends on knowing and understanding
firearms, and handling them skillfully and safely. Responsible
hunters practice safe habits until they become second nature.
Firearm
Safety in the Home
Statistics show that more than half of
the fatal firearm incidents reported each year occur in the
home. Since almost
all incidents are caused by carelessness and lack of knowledge,
it's the hunter's duty to help prevent firearm
mishaps in the home.
Most importantly, lock guns away where
children can't
reach them, and store ammunition in a separate location.
Check to see that a firearm is unloaded before allowing it
in any building or living area.
Practice these safety rules
if handling a firearm in the home.
- Immediately point the muzzle in a safe direction
when you pick up a firearm.
- Keep your finger off the trigger.
- Always check to see
that the chamber and the magazine are empty.
If a gun
is taken from storage to show friends, be sure they understand
safe gun handling rules and a responsible adult is present.
- Safe Direction:
Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Make Sure:
Positively identify your target.
- Always Check:
Know what's beyond your target before shooting.
- Respect Firearms:
Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
- Trigger Caution:
Don't touch the trigger until you're ready
to shoot.
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