What You Learned (cont.)
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Always unload guns before crossing fences or other obstacles or before negotiating rough terrain.
- If alone, place the gun on the other side of the obstacle, cross, and pull the gun toward you by the butt.
- If two people are crossing, one person gives the other person both guns, crosses first, and then receives the unloaded guns from the other hunter.
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Occasionally you may trip or stumble in the field, accidentally dipping the barrel into the ground or snow. Immediately check for an obstruction.
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When loading or unloading a firearm, always point the muzzle in a safe direction and make sure the safety is on.
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Before transporting a firearm, always unload it and put it in a case. Three typical gun cases are a padded, soft-sided case; a lockable, hard-sided case; and a gun sock. Do not display a firearm in a gun window rack.
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The area in which a hunter can shoot safely is referred to as a zone-of-fire. Before setting off in a group, hunters should agree on the zone-of-fire each person will cover.
- It’s best to have no more than three hunters in a group.
- Everyone should wear daylight fluorescent orange.
- Only one hunter should aim at a target.
- Hunters should shoot only at game in front of them.
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Hunters should follow these other safety practices also.
- Self-control and target identification: Only shoot when you are sure of your target and have a safe zone-of-fire.
- Accuracy: Accuracy is essential for achieving a clean kill. Be sure you have a proper backstop before you shoot.
- Alcohol and drugs: Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs before or during the hunt. It increases the risk of incidents.