How to Transport Firearms Safely for Your Next Hunt

Have you thought about how to get your firearms from your home to your campsite or hunting spot? It might seem like no big deal to put the gun in your truck and hit the road, but handling a rifle the wrong way when moving it from your home to your car to the field can lead to a serious injury. 

Firearm safety must be taken very seriously when hunting, and it's more than just being careful when loading your rifle or pointing it at a buck to take your shot. Getting your rifle or shotgun to your hunting site requires careful firearm handling to ensure no one gets hurt. 

What should you know about safely moving your rifle in preparation for a hunt? Keep reading to learn how to transport firearms safely! 

Guidelines for Transporting Firearms Safely

Unless you hunt with a bow, you need your shotgun or rifle with you when in the field to successfully harvest a buck or turkey. 

So, when transporting your firearm to your hunt, remember these few simple guidelines to stay safe:

• After checking – and double-checking – that the firearm is unloaded, pack it in a secure case before loading it into your vehicle. Pack the ammunition separately.
• Store your gun in the back; you will only need it once you arrive at your hunting location, so there's no reason to carry it in the vehicle with you.
• When you arrive at your hunting site, uncase your firearms. Wait to load your ammunition until you are away from the vehicle and ready to start your hunt.

These guidelines should help you start your hunt safely! Whether you are a new hunter or an experienced one, follow the steps above to ensure a safe hunt every time. 

Moving Your Firearm During and After the Hunt

What should hunters keep in mind when tracking an animal through a field or forest? How should you pack your rifle for the ride back home in your truck? 

Follow these additional guidelines when moving your firearm during and after your hunt:

• When walking with your loaded rifle, rest or go slowly to avoid careless mistakes that can happen when you're overtired.
• When crossing obstacles like streams or fences, unload your firearms and open the action so that you can move safely.
• At the end of the hunt, unload firearms before approaching the vehicle, being sure to face away from others and point your muzzle in a safe direction. 
• Check the safety and remove the ammunition before casing your firearm once again.

Watch this video below for more details on the best ways to safely get to and from your hunt.

Learn More About Firearm and Hunter Safety with Hunter-Ed

Safely transporting your firearms to and from your hunt increases your chances of a successful hunt! 

Remember: Always load your brain before you load your gun. In other words, keep your mind on what you are doing when handling rifles or shotguns before, during, and after a hunt. 

To learn more about firearm safety and ensure you have the proper state-approved hunter education your state could require, let Hunter-Ed help. Our online courses cover everything from handling and understanding firearms, shooting within your safe zone of fire, survival skills, preparing for your hunt, and more. 

Before the season opens, make sure you and your hunting partners are certified. Find the course for your state and start learning for free with our online study guide. 

Originally published November 12, 2014. Content updated June 12, 2023.