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Hunting Safety Tips - They Just Might Save Lives

Of course, you want to have fun when you go off on a hunting trip. If you've got your rifle, your riflescope, your camouflage, your hunting gear and everything else, you feel like you're ready to go. However, until you have your hunting safety tips, and you've really internalized them, you shouldn't leave the house. These important hunting tips could save your life.

Pointing the Muzzle

Always point your muzzle in a safe direction. Don't point your gun in any direction where you don't intend to shoot. Never rest the muzzle on your toe or foot and keep your finger out of the trigger guard until the instant before you are ready to shoot. You should also keep the safety on until you are ready to fire.

Assume It's Always Loaded

No matter what gun you pick up, you should always treat it as if it is loaded. Before doing anything else, you should always check to see if a gun is loaded when you pick it up. Be sure that the chamber and the magazine are empty and that the action is open until you are ready to shoot. Before handling new guns, new scopes, or any other new equipment, read your instruction manual very carefully and make sure that you know exactly how to use your equipment.

Know Your Target

Before you pull the trigger, make absolutely sure of what you are aiming at and know that it's a game animal. Until you've found your target, don't even raise your scope to see it - instead use your binoculars. Make sure you have a safe background, not just a safe target. Never shoot at flat surfaces such as water, rocks or steel, as they can ricochet.

Storing & Transporting Firearms

Even though it's less convenient, always transport your firearms unloaded and broken down into pieces, as necessary. Know exactly how your equipment operates and how to break it down. Store your firearms separately from your ammunition in a locked place.

Carrying Firearms

Never climb a tree or a fence with a loaded weapon. Similarly, don't jump over a ditch or cross difficult, bumpy terrain with a loaded weapon. Should you fall with your firearm with you, disassemble the gun and check the barrel from the breach end for any obstructions or problems. Make sure, as well, that the only ammunition that you carry with you is the one that matches the gauge or caliber you will shoot with. Learn what the proper technique for carrying your particular weapon is, and follow the instructions at all times.

Keep Your Emotions In Check

After successfully shooting a target you will probably be excited. This is a time when people get careless. Your excitement might cause you to run with a loaded firearm back to your friends, or to run towards the animal with the gun safety off. These actions could put you, or someone with you, in danger. Do not allow your emotions or your daydreams to inhibit clear thinking when it comes to firearm use. Pass up shots if you think there is any chance that it won't be safe or that you won't act in a safe manner.

Following these safety precautions - and shooting safely - can mean the difference between life and death. Take your responsibility as a shooter or hunter seriously and learn how to use your weapon, carry your weapon, control your emotions and more so that you can have an enjoyable - and safe - shooting experience.