1. Safe Hunting By: Mrs. Love Information & Pictures from Texas Parks and Wildlife

2. Today we will…  Identify why firearm safety is important  Identify four main causes of hunting incidents  Identify four primary rules of firearm safety  Demonstrate and explain proper field carries  List the steps to safely load and unload a firearm  Explain how to safely check to see that the barrel of a firearm is free of obstructions  Explain why self control, target identification, and accuracy are critical

3. Four Main Causes of Firearm Incidents  Hunter Judgment Mistakes  Safety Rule Violations  Lack or Control or Practice  Mechanical Failure

4. Four Primary Rules of Firearm Safety  point muzzle in a safe direction  treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun  be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it  keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot

5. Firearm Carries  Trail Carry  Sling Carry  Elbow or Side Carry  Shoulder Carry  Cradle Carry  Two-Handed or “Ready” Carry

6. Trail Carry  Hands free balance  Do not use if you are behind someone  Should not use when walking in snow or high brush  Debris can get in the barrel of the firearm

7. Sling Carry  Good for long walks through open country  Keep a hand on sling  Should not use if walking in thick brush

8. Elbow or Side Carry  Comfortable  Least muzzle control  Use it when no one is in front of you

9. Shoulder Carry  Good for high waist- high brush

10. Cradle Carry  Secure  Reduces arm fatigue

11. Two-Handed or “Ready Carry  Best control  Good for thick brush or weeds  Good when “ready” to shoot

12. Safe Loading  point muzzle in a safe direction  open the action; make sure the barrel is unobstructed  put the safety on  load the ammunition  close the action

13. Safe Unloading  point muzzle in safe direction  make sure safety is on  keep your finger outside the trigger guard  open action  remove ammunition; eject shells or cartridges if it is the only way to remove them  count shells or cartridges to make sure gun is empty  check the chamber to see if it is clear

14. Checking for Obstructions  point muzzle in safe direction  open the action  unload the firearm and remove the bold (if applicable)  check for debris in the barrel  remove the obstruction with a portable table type cleaning rod  recheck the barrel  reload and close the action

15. Other Considerations  Self-Control  Target Identification  Accuracy  Alcohol and Drugs

16. Let’s Review…  Why is firearm safety important?  What are the four main causes of hunting incidents?  What are the four primary rules of firearm safety?  Name the four proper field carries.  Name in order how to load a firearm.  Name in order how to unload a firearm.  What are some other safety considerations?