Keeping Hunting Safe. Part II

Safety is a matter of awareness and attention to detail. Missing a single step may lead to severe injuries or even death, so no matter how annoying it might be, it's mandatory to re-check safety tips over and over again.

Besides tips included in Part I, it's important to remember additional tips to keep safe you and your hunting fellows all around the hunting expedition.

First of all remember: finger on the trigger only when you are ready to shoot! Going around there aiming with your finger ready to pull the trigger is not a good idea, in fact it's dangerous and might lead to undesired outcomes; so put your finger in the trigger only when you are completely sure what you will be shooting at and that you have a clear shot.

Additionally, if you are moving around and are not ready to open fire, try to keep your gun unloaded and with the muzzle pointing down. In case you are going to climb to a tree stand your weapon must be ALWAYS unloaded and dragged up or down using a haul line.

On this point, it's important to check all your gear and apparel integrity as well as their function before going out to the bushes. Any malfunction might lead to falls or injuries once you are out and probably away from help.

In case of an accident, especially a firearm related incidents make sure to identify yourself and provide assistance; failing to do so infringes the law and may lead to legal consequences.

On this regard, be sure to properly know about all regulation and law details in the area you are planning to hunt, if you are not aware of laws and regulations there's a real risk of infringe the rules and have undesired consequences.

It's particularly important to be aware of season begin and end, permitted hours, bags limits protected species.

In case of being hunting on private lands, you must be sure about the limits and boundaries in order to avoid entry on third party's lands.

On the other hand, if you are hunting on public lands and you are not familiar with the area or you are a novice hunter it's always a good idea to get company from an experienced hunter or a local guide to avoid incidents.

Finally, remember to have your safety training up to date, that's the best way to keep safety knowledge fresh and to know how to act in case of an emergency. Just remember, the most important thing is to keep you and your friends safe to get back next year.