Firearm and Hunting Safety

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Firearm and Hunting Safety
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The key to hunting safety is your ability to
handle a gun in the right way.
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Three Basic Rules

• Treat every gun as though it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be sure of your target - and beyond.

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Be Extra Alert When...

• You are inexperienced.
• When you are carrying a gun over obstacles.
• When you are plinking.
• When you first spot game.
• When a hunting partner forgets or ignores the
  safety rules.

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Loading a Gun

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Open the action and check for correct operation.
  Leave the action open.
• Load the magazine. Count your shells.
• Close the action, loading the chamber.
• Make sure the safety is on. Double-check.
• Prepare to carry your firearm safely.

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Unloading a Gun

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Open the action to unload the chamber.
• Remove the clip, empty tube, etc..
• Shells should only be ejected from the magazine
  by working the action if it is impossible to
  unload the firearm without doing so.
• Count the shells.
• Double-check the magazine and the chamber. Make
  sure the gun is on safety.

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Carrying a Firearm

• Double-hand or Ready
• Cradle Care
• Elbow Carry
• Shoulder Carry
• Sling Carry
• Trail Carry

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Rules for Carrying

• Make sure the safety is on.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction and
  keep it under control.
• Keep the firearm unloaded until you begin to
  stalk game.

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Crossing Rough Terrain

• Unload your firearm, or at least unload the
  chamber. Be prepared to protect your firearm if
  you should fall. Control the direction of the
  muzzle.
• Wear non-slip boots and never run or jump with a
  loaded firearm.
• To safely cross a fence, unload, or at least open
  the action. Lay the gun down and point muzzle in
  a safe direction. Check muzzle for obstructions
  when you pick it up.

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Shooting Positions

• Standing
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Prone

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Above All...

• Safety Begins and Ends With You!