Remember Be especially careful to check where the muzzle is pointing when you take firearms in or out of vehicles, boats or storage as they might go off while you’re moving them; this includes when the firearm is in a gun bag. Always be mindful to control your muzzle direction when traveling with others, especially when walking together, in single file or on uneven or steep terrain.
control the muzzle
Crossing fences
Constantly ask yourself what the safest direction is to point your firearm:
If there is an unlocked gate – use it! But if there isn’t a gate to walk through, follow these rules to cross a fence safely with your firearms:
• Where are all the members of my party?
• Are there non-hunters in the area? • What’s the terrain like? In a river bed, pointing the muzzle down may not be the safest thing to do since bullets can ricochet off lots of different obstacles: river rocks, logs – even water. Pointing the muzzle up or carrying on your back may not be a safe thing to do if you’re climbing with someone above you. It’s easy to stumble on rough terrain. That’s why it’s important to never move with a loaded firearm and always keep your fingers away from the trigger.
Crossing rivers safely Avoid jumping across or hopping from rock to rock when carrying a gun across a waterway such as a river or stream – it’s too easy to slip. Take the plunge and walk carefully through the water instead.
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Treat every firearm as loaded
2
Always point firearms in a safe direction
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If you are with another hunter, have one person climb over the fence without a firearm. Then, pass the unloaded firearms across, making sure that the actions are open and the muzzles are pointing in a safe direction.
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If you are on your own, unload your firearm, pass it through the fence muzzle first and lie it on the ground on the other side. Then climb over the fence.
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Take special care when crossing electric fences. Have your firearm unloaded and the action open before you get near an electric fence. An electric shock can make your muscles contract and your hand could clench shut around the trigger.
Load a firearm only when ready to fire
4
Identify your target beyond all doubt
5
Check your firing zone
✘ Never point a firearm at
anyone, including yourself.
✘ Never lean your firearms
against a vehicle or wall or anywhere it could move and accidentally go off.
✘ NEVER climb a fence while carrying a firearm.
Rule #2 Watch the video
6
Store firearms and ammunition safely
7
Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms
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OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITY GUIDES HUNTING