Safe backstops and zones of fire

While hunting, you may find yourself in close proximity to other hunters and other forest users. When this occurs, you must always be aware of your zone of fire and ensure you have a have safe backstop before you take a shot.

• A safe zone of fire is the area in which you may safely fire when your hunting partners are standing to your left or to your right.
• A safe backstop is an area in which your arrow or projectile will land without causing any injury or damage. These are particularly important on public land where other forest users may be in your vicinity. A safe backstop is generally a riverbank, a dirt mound or a hill. Hunters must always shoot at a downward angle and know exactly where their bullet or arrow will land.

To identify your zones of fire, outstretch your arms in front of you at a 45 degree angle. The area you can see between your arms is your safe zone of fire.

It is important never to swing your firearm outside this zone of fire.