Gun Safety Before Hunting

Hunting is a popular recreational and competitiveanimal, not another creature or a human. Be
sport that allows an individual to be out in natureaware of what is behind the target, to avoid
while getting an adrenaline rush tracking prey.shooting anything (or anyone) unintended. If it is
Many forms of hunting involve the use of guns,necessary to climb over a fence or other
which are potential dangerous weapons. Huntersobstacle or to mount a tree stand, first unload
should practice gun safety before hunting in orderthe gun.
to ensure an accident-free experience.Remain in control and do not let emotions take
One of the most important guidelines to follow isprecedence over clear thinking and safe behavior.
to always treat the gun as if it were loaded. DoAlways wear earplugs, even when deer hunting,
not point it at anyone and keep the safety onbecause this will prevent hearing problems in later
until ready to take a shot. The weapon shouldyears. Insert a soft earplug into the ear closest to
always be pointed in a safe direction, never atthe firearm and do not remove it until the hunting
anyone, and the target should always be in fronttrip is complete.
of the gun. Keep the gun clean, making sure thePracticing gun safety will prevent harm to the
barrel does not contain any debris. If the gun ishunter and individuals in the vicinity. Treating the
dropped, it should be dismantled, cleaned, wiped,weapon as if it were always loaded, keeping it
and reassembled prior to being used again.clean, knowing its intricacies, and engaging in safe
Know everything possible about the gun includinghandling practices are important. During the hunting
its range and the amount and type of bullets intrip, taking precautions like wearing earplugs and
the chamber. When preparing to shoot, identifyclearly identifying targets will prevent an accident.
the target to make sure that it is the intended