Chapter 10: Safe Hunting Skills
Safely Loading and Unloading Firearms (continued)

Unloading

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Make sure the safety is on.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard.
• Open the action.
• Remove the ammunition; eject cartridges or shells if it's the only way to remove them—use extra care with lever-action firearms.
• Count shells or cartridges to make sure the gun is empty.
• Check the chamber to make sure it's clear.

Remember ... When loading or unloading a firearm, hunting partners should stand back-to-back, facing away from each other.