With hunting season in full swing, the woods are full of anxious hunters who are watching and waiting for the perfect chance to take a shot at their prey. Although hunting season is an exciting time for the outdoor enthusiast, it is imperative that safety be top priority. In terms of safety, it is always true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Firearms should be unloaded when not be used.
- Always keep your firearm’s barrel of pointed in a safe direction.
- Don’t rely on the safety of your gun. Treat any firearm as if they are loaded and ready to fire.
- Use proper ammunition.
- Set your target and what is beyond it.
- Handle your gun with care if it fails to fire when the trigger is pulled.
- Don’t shoot without wearing eye and ear protection.
- Confirm that the barrel is clear of obstructions before you shoot.
- Have your gun serviced regularly and don’t alter or modify it any way.
- Learn clearly the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm that you are using.
- Make sure the gun is unloaded before you clean it.
- Treat a misfire as if the gun could fire at any moment.
- Don’t smoke in the proximity of a muzzleloader.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs while handling a firearm.
- Always keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Never hoist a loaded firearm into a stand.
- Never climb a tree, cross a fence, or stand or jump a ditch while handling a loaded gun.
- Don’t load a firearm until ready to use it.
- Watch your muzzle so the other hunter doesn’t have to.
- Remember to unload firearms before riding in any vehicle like ATVs.
- Wear hunter orange so you can be seen easily. If you take a dog with you, it also needs to wear bright colors.