| Hunters are hitting the woods in large numbers these | | | | cognizant of where a shot is fired. Never shoot |
| days. Deer hunting is especially popular. However, | | | | toward houses, barns, livestock or other people. Be |
| with more people carrying firearms in the woods and | | | | careful not to target game across a road. No matter |
| field, the potential for accidents increases. Each | | | | how rural an area is, where there is a road, there will |
| hunter should take the time to learn gun safety and | | | | be cars. Always visualize a target fully before firing. |
| put it to practice. | | | | Many hunters have been injured or killed because a |
| To start, treat every gun as if it is loaded. It is easy | | | | fellow hunter shot at moving bushes. The point is |
| to forget to unload a gun before putting it away. | | | | always visualize the intended target, know what it is |
| Never aim a firearm at anything unless it is an | | | | and only take the shot if no other structures, animals |
| intended target. Many accidents have occurred | | | | or roads are in the path of the bullet. |
| especially with younger hunters that pointed a | | | | Thirdly, make sure the barrel of the firearm stays |
| firearm at a friend and assumed it was not loaded. | | | | clean and clear. Regularly clean the gun and always |
| Keep the gun on safety until just before time to | | | | unload it and check the barrel for mud or snow after |
| shoot. Also, when faced with crossing a fence, | | | | a fall. A hunter should never look into the barrel of a |
| climbing a stand or other activity that could result in a | | | | loaded gun. Firing a gun with debris in the barrel will |
| fall, always unload the firearm first. If a fall is | | | | ruin the gun and could injure the hunter. |
| inevitable, the hunter must make every effort to | | | | Hunting should be an enjoyable experience. Always |
| keep the gun pointed away from the body. | | | | keep gun safety a priority so that every hunt will be |
| Secondly, hunters have the responsibility to be | | | | a good experience and not end in disaster. |