Safety Hunting Rules For All Hunters!
- Treat your disarmed gun or bow with the same respect that you would with a loaded bow or gun. ALWAYS assume that your gun or bow is loaded and ready to shoot.
- Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Treat every firearm as though it were loaded.
- Always make sure the firearm is unloaded and keep the action open when transporting or storing.
- Keep your safety on until ready to shoot.
- Do not become anxious and take your safety off of your weapon prior to the shot. That is why the safety is located usually within an inch of the trigger.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstruction and that you have the proper ammunition for the firearm you are using.
- Know the range of your weapon. Know how far it will shoot.
- Know what is behind your target.
- Ear safety: Many hunters will sacrifice ear safety so they can hear game coming, especially when deer hunting. Put a soft earplug in the ear closest to your weapon.
- Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
- Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.
- Avoid all horseplay / mis-handling of any firearm.
- Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
- Never shoot at a flat hard surface such as rocks or water.
- Always keep your gun clean.
- When you drop your gun, you should always dismantle it, clean it, wipe it down, and put it back together.
- Store all firearms and ammunition separately.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs before or during shooting.
