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Official Washington Hunting Safety Course Link to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

1.3 Firearm Safety Rules

Hunting incidents don’t just happen. They are caused by carelessness or ignorance of safety rules. The following Firearm Safety Rules are basic rules that all firearm owners should know and follow.

Hunters unloading firearms

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Hunters with fingers outside trigger guards

2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Use your safety…but remember that safeties sometimes fail!

Hunter aiming at target

3. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it before firing.

Casing gun for safe transport

4. Never place or carry a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle.

Hunters carrying firearms

5. Never use a firearm unless you are familiar with how it works.

If you need an owner’s manual for your firearm, write to the firearm manufacturer. Make sure you receive training and/or read the owner’s manual before handling any new firearm. Do not handle a firearm without the owner’s permission.

Removing obstruction from firearm

6. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.

Two hunters safely crossing fence

7. Never cross a fence, climb a tree, cross a stream, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.

Safe firearm carry

8. Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot. Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.

Firearm safe for storage

9. Unload firearms when they are not in use. Store firearms and ammunition separately.

Never drink and shoot!

10. Never use alcohol or drugs before or during shooting.

Most firearm-related hunting incidents could be prevented if everybody followed the ten simple rules above.

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Washington Department
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Course Overview
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White-tailed deer tracks
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Washington Hunting
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Official hunting safety course for Washington hunters last modified: August 27, 2009
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