Hunter Tip: How to Stay Safe After the Shot
Experienced hunters know that the hunt is over after taking the shot. Even if your shot is a perfectly placed kill shot and you took down the buck in your sights, your job isn't done after pulling the trigger and seeing your trophy fall.
Being a safe hunter starts before the hunt, continues during the hunt, and carries through until you're safely back home and your firearms are unloaded and put away.
However, the few seconds and minutes immediately after the shot are one aspect of the hunt that can quickly cause hunters to lose sight of safety.
What do hunters need to keep in mind to stay safe after the shot? While we cover this topic more in-depth in our hunter safety course, we've pulled together some high-level insights in this article.
Excitement Can Lead to Danger
Making a shot is really exciting, but that adrenaline rush can also cause dangerous situations.
It's essential that you remember the Commandments of Firearm Safety. They are rules, not recommendations, and should be followed at all times, even when you're eager to check your target.
After your shot, remember to:
- Take a deep breath and stay calm.
- Make sure your safety is on.
- Unload your firearm.
- Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Playing games is exciting, but you must also stay safe! See what it looks like to stay safe after the shot in the video below.
Prepared Hunters are Safe Hunters
While it might seem like it's a time-consuming step to undergo proper hunter safety education (especially if you are a seasoned hunter), taking a safety course is one of the best ways to keep yourself and everyone you hunt with safe in the field.
Most states also have requirements for hunters (specifically first-time and young hunters) to pass an approved hunter safety course before buying a hunting license.
There's no substitute for preparation for safe, efficient, and successful hunts. Hunting education can help you:
- Learn about firearms and how they work
- Match the right ammunition to your firearm
- Understand your firearm's range (to take ethical shots)
- Learn hunting strategies
- Care for your game after the shot
- Transport firearms safely
- Hunt in a group and avoid accidents
- Hunt safely from stands, boats, and blinds
- Survive outdoors if the weather changes unexpectedly
- And more
Hunter safety education helps reduce the potential for an accident that could leave a hunting partner (or other nearby hunters) dealing with an injury. It can also help you improve your hunt and enjoy more days in the field, no matter your preferred species to hunt!
Stay Safe Before, During, and After the Shot
We want every hunter to get the most out of hunting season every year. The best way to do that is to understand and apply safety best practices every time you hunt.
Hunter-Ed makes it easy for hunters to get certified. Our state-approved courses take place online, including the exam. You can learn and get certified from a mobile device or a desktop – anywhere you can connect to the internet!
As you get ready for the next hunting season, we encourage you and your hunting partners (including your kids if you take them into the field) to take a safety course. Once certified, it never expires, and you'll be one of the most prepared hunters in the field every season.
Find the course for your state and get started!
Originally published on November 13, 2015. Content updated November 20, 2023.
