Accidents don’t just happen – they are caused by ignorance or disregard of safety rules. The following safety rules should be learned and practiced until they become a habit – yours!
Information taken from A Hunter’s Handbook edited by Tim Ivins.
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARM SAFETY:
I: TREAT EVERY GUN WITH RESPECT, AS IF IT’S A LOADED GUN
II: WATCH THAT MUZZLE! Be able to control the direction of the muzzle even if you should stumble.
III: BE SURE THE BARREL AND ACTION ARE CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS, and that you only have ammunition of the proper size for the gun you are carrying.
IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER. Know identifying features of the game you hunt.
V: UNLOAD GUNS WHEN NOT IN USE. Take down or have actions open. Guns should be carried in cases to the shooting area.
VI: NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT WANT TO SHOOT. Avoid all horseplay when handling a firearm.
VII: NEVER CLIMB A FENCE OR TREE OR JUMP A DITCH WITH A LOADED GUN. Never pull a gun towards you by holding the muzzle.
VIII: NEVER SHOOT A BULLET AT A FLAT, HARD SURFACE OR WATER. At target practice be sure your backstop is adequate.
IX: STORE GUNS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATELY, beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
X: AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BEFORE OR AFTER SHOOTING.
Follow these rules & practice safe shooting!