1. Watch that muzzle! Control its direction at all times.
2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded firearm.
3. Be sure of your target and beyond before you pull the trigger. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt.
4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions. Carry only ammunition of the proper size for the firearm you are using.
5. Unload firearms when not in use. Leave the actions open. Firearms should be carried empty in cases to and from shooting areas.
6. Point a firearm only at something you want to shoot.
7. Unload a firearm before you carry it while climbing a fence or tree or jumping a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
8. Shoot bullets only when you have an adequate backstop. Don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately in secured locations beyond the reach of children.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages or other mood-altering drugs before and during shooting.
We can never focus or spend enough time emphasizing the importance of firearm safety. It does not matter if you are new to hunting or have been hunting for 60 years, we must focus on safety.
I have recently been in contact to become a hunter safety instructor here in the state of Maine. I look forward to the chance to introduce and teach our kids about a great American tradition of hunting in a safe manner.
