Hunting Safely

Firearm safety is a habit that requires much regular practice to develop. It is no different than playing Nintendo, baseball or golf: If you want to be good, you must practice regularly! If you hunt with good, safe hunters, you will learn to become a safe hunter yourself. But what about going hunting with hunters who “know” all about firearms safety but don’t bother to follow the rules of safety while they are hunting? Will such hunters help you become a safe hunter? The Shooters in Hunting Incidents chart below shows that most incident victims are shot by somebody they know! Shooters in Hunting Incidents 10-Year Summary

The first step to becoming a responsible hunter is knowing your equipment and how to use it safely.

Each year about half of all hunting incident victims are shot by friends or family members! Another 35% of victims shoot themselves! What does this mean to you, the beginning hunter? First of all, you must be a safe hunter yourself. If you act like a “good guy” and ignore the unsafe hunting practices of your friends, you are actually increasing your chances of becoming the victim of an incident yourself! Second, you must be sure to hunt only with people who are just as safe as you! Refuse to hunt with anyone who does not follow the basic rules of firearm safety! Remember: Hunting safety is no accident! Most incidents can be prevented if you and your hunting partners apply what you will learn in this course.

Firearm safety and hunting safety are up to you! You assume adult responsibility whenever you handle and use firearms.