Gun Handling and Zones of Fire

Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting or observing a shooter.

These steps should be taken every time you handle a gun.

If you want to hunt and have the opportunity to do so, you will have to learn the correct way to carry a gun while in the field.

Because guns are heavy, you will want to change your carry position several times while in the outdoors.

You should know at least four ways to carry a gun properly.

The three basic rules for carrying a gun are: 1. Muzzle pointed in a safe direction. 2. Safety ON. 3. Finger is off the trigger and outside the trigger guard.

The Ready Carry means you are carrying the gun in the ready position.

Point the muzzle of the gun up and to a point left between your head and shoulder.

Grip the forearm with your left hand.

Place the right hand on the pistol grip of the stock, finger off the trigger.

The Cradle Carry: Bend your left arm to form a cradle.

Place the forearm of the gun in the left arm where the elbow bends.

Place your left hand under the gun at the trigger guard.

The muzzle is pointed up and to the left.

With your right hand, support the stock by either holding it at the pistol grip or at the butt.

The Underarm Carry: Place the stock under your arm pit.

Cradle the gun forearm on your forearm.

Your right hand should be touching your belt.

The gun muzzle is pointed down and away from the body.

The Marching Carry: Place the gun forearm on your right shoulder.

Grip the butt of the stock with your right hand.

The muzzle is pointed up and over your shoulder.

The type of carry you will use will depend upon where you are, where your companions are, and what you are doing.

Keep in mind our basic safety rule: Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.

You must unload guns when crossing fences, getting into and out of cars, and getting into and out of boats.

When you are hunting with someone else or with a group of people, you must know where each person is and his position in the field.

This is very important when you are hunting small game such as rabbits, quail, pheasants, etc.

When in the hunting fields and enough open area permits, you should walk abreast; all hunters walking in a row.

Make sure that all people in your group stay together.

If one person slows down or lags behind, have everyone stop until the slow person catches up.

When hunting in a row, or abreast of one another, each person has his own private shooting zone.

Do not shoot at game in someone else's shooting zone.

Follow this rule: Never let your gun muzzle cross in front of the person beside you.

Have self control.

Do not shoot at sounds or movements.

Shoot at a whole target.

See the whole thing before you shoot.

Before you shoot, know what is beyond your target. Is there a house, road, or person behind your target?

If you become lost in the woods, a worldwide signal for help is to safely fire three shots, three seconds apart.

If someone hears you, they will answer by firing three shots.

When your signal is answered, stay where you are and fire three more shots.

Wait ten minutes and fire three more. Do not panic. You will be found.

This signal is effective if used after dusk. It will not be recognized if used during daylight hours.