Video: Hunter Education and General Hunting Safety
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Video Transcript
Transcript for HLSP Video 2
Lauren Karnopp, Montana FWP: Since the 1940s, Montana FWP has offered hunter safety classes focusing on firearm handling, fair chase practices, and hunting ethics and more.
Today everyone born after January 1, 1985, must take hunter education to purchase a hunting license in Montana. Hunter education offers foundational safety skills and knowledge that every hunter, novice and experienced, should know and practice.
Trenton Heisel, Montana FWP Access: While you hunt, safety is your responsibility. Safety is always important, especially on private land where unique scenarios and challenges can occur.
Jon Obst, Game Warden Sergeant: While you’re out hunting, farmers and ranchers are also out working the land. It’s wise to assume there are people out there on the property, livestock in nearby fields, and even other hunters accessing the same areas. You should be aware of your surroundings and respectful of nearby people, pets, livestock, homes, outbuildings, farm implements, and vehicles.
Lauren Karnopp: Hunters should practice the four rules of firearm safety every time they go hunting.
On screen: Firearm Safety Rules
Jon Obst: Rules 1 and 2 are very simple but also very critical.
On screen: Rule 1 – TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT’S LOADED
Always treat your firearm as if it’s loaded and ready to shoot, and always point your muzzle in a safe direction.
On screen: Rule 2 – MUZZLE AT A SAFE DIRECTION
Most hunting accidents are preventable and occur because of careless firearm handling. The next rule is the logical extension.
On screen: Rule 3 – FINGER OFF TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
Always keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. The last rule of firearm safety is less straightforward but also very important, especially on private land. Always know your target and beyond.
On screen: Rule 4 – BE AWARE OF YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND
Lauren Karnopp: Imagine, it’s the final week of general hunting season, and you spot an elk on the crest of a hill. You’re close enough to take a good shot, but should you? The answer is no. If you can’t see what's behind your target like that skylined elk, never take that shot.
On screen: NEVER SHOOT IF YOU CAN’T SEE BEYOND YOUR TARGET
Sam Lawry, Landowner: Along with prioritizing safe firearm handling, you must consider the safe zone-of-fire. This changes with each step, the number of hunters, the lay of the land, and the land ownership. Avoid shooting towards or near people, pets, livestock, houses, buildings, and vehicles. Keeping track of your safe zone-of-fire is always essential, especially while you’re on working lands.