Firearms Safety

Bear trapping requires the use of an appropriately sized caliber firearm to dispatch a trapped bear in an ethical and safe manner. When preparing to dispatch a bear, a safe clean, ethical kill is important. Shot placement is no different when trapping than it is while hunting but you do have to adjust for shot angle, position of the bear, and obstructions.

Practice is important and a clean shot in the vitals, head, or neck is most effective to humanely dispatch a bear.

Remember these important rules:

• Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Control your muzzle and keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.
• Always carry your firearm in a safe manner.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Keep firearms unloaded while traveling to trapping site.
• Only carry the correct ammunition for the firearm you are carrying.
• Use caution when traveling on uneven, rough, slippery terrain.
• When dispatching a bear, be keen on your surroundings.
• Ensure proper shot placement for a quick, clean, ethical kill.