Hunting Safety Refresher
The smell of fall in the air triggers another long-standing American tradition: hunting. Just don’t let the excitement of this time of year overshadow the importance of staying safe around firearms. To help make this the happiest, safest hunting season yet, we thought we’d share a few reminders.
Prep time. In addition to wearing proper blaze orange attire (dogs too!) in the field, inspect all clothing, equipment and firearms to ensure everything is functioning safely before you venture into the woods.
Don’t assume. About a third of firearm accidents are self-inflicted. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, never rest it on your foot and use a two-hand carry for extra precaution.
Positive ID. Don’t gamble on a “possible” legal target. Make absolutely certain you have a positive target identification-fully visible and in good light-before you shoot. Use binoculars!
Trigger finger. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until the instant you are ready to shoot. In the event of an unexpected fall, with your finger on the trigger you could cause a dangerous unwanted discharge.
Calm & controlled. It may be hard to contain your excitement after shooting an animal. Mentally practice the steps of staying in control after hitting your target so you don’t make quick, emotionally charged movements that could harm you or fellow hunters. Taking drugs or alcohol before hunting will only heighten these risky reactions.
When undertaken with proper precautions, hunting is one of the most intense and thrilling sports. Enjoy this special season with safety in mind so you’ll have many more hunting excursions to come. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hunting accident, don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation.