Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course: Unit 10: Introduction to Firearm Safety

Proper Field Carries—Shoulder Carry

Good choice when walking beside or behind others. Don't use it if someone is behind you.

Providing Help to Accident Victims

According to Pennsylvania law: "It is unlawful for any person who has caused an injury or witnessed another person being injured by a firearm or bow and arrow, while hunting or furtaking, to leave the area or to fail or refuse to give immediate and full assistance to the person injured."

Crossing Obstacles

Always unload guns before crossing fences or other obstacles or before negotiating rough terrain. Cross wire fences close to a fence post to prevent damage to the fence. After unloading it, place the gun on the other side of the fence or obstacle to be crossed, with the muzzle pointed away from you and your crossing point. Then cross the fence and retrieve your gun. Pull a gun toward you by the butt—never by the muzzle. If two people are crossing, one person gives the other person both guns, crosses first, and then receives the unloaded guns from the other hunter.

Proper Field Carries—For Three Hunters, Side by Side

Carry selection is based primarily on muzzle control and terrain. If three hunters are walking side by side, the ones at the sides may carry their guns pointing either to the side away from their party or to the front. The one in the center should keep the gun pointing to the front or up.

Proper Field Carries—For Hunters Facing One Another

Carry selection is based primarily on muzzle control and terrain. When facing another hunter, any carry is safe except the trail carry or forward-facing elbow or side carry. Remember that the same rules for safe carry apply when your hunting companion is a dog.

Proper Field Carries—Cradle Carry

Comfortable and secure; reduces arm fatigue. Like the two-handed or ready carry, can be used as either a right- or left-handed carry. Do not use if your gun would be pointed at others when walking side-by-side.

Proper Field Carries—Elbow or Side Carry

Comfortable, but it has the least muzzle control. It also can snag in brushy terrain. Use it when no one is in front of you.

Proper Field Carries—Sling Carry

Easy carry for long treks through open country. Keep a hand on the sling when walking so that it doesn't slide off your shoulder if you trip. Not recommended for thick brush because the gun could be knocked from your shoulder. ← Previous

Beware of Hang Fires

Hang fires happen when the firing pin has struck the primer and there is a delay before the gun fires. This can occur for several reasons, such as a faulty firing pin or spring, defective primer, or other cartridge-related problems. A misfire is when the primer fails to ignite the powder. Hang fires and misfires can happen with any kind of firearm. To handle a hang fire or misfire: Maintain safe muzzle control at all times. Keep the action closed and the muzzle pointed at a safe backstop. Wait to see if the firearm fires. With a rifle, handgun, or shotgun, wait 15 seconds. With a muzzleloader, wait 60 seconds. If the firearm still has not fired, remove the cartridge or shotshell from the chamber.

Proper Field Carries—Trail Carry

Leaves a hand free for balance, but don't use it when you're behind someone. Not recommended when walking in snow or brush—debris can get in the barrel.

Loading Firearms—Break or Hinge Action

Make sure the firearm is not loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Check the firearm's data stamp. Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge data stamps. Select the proper type of ammunition. Load the firearm.Place the ammunition in the empty chamber or chambers.Close and lock the action.Keep your finger away from the trigger.

Shooting Accuracy

Shooting accurately is not only the key to successful hunting, but it's also a safety factor. Some incidents, often deadly ones, have occurred when stray bullets have hit people out of the shooter's sight. Be sure you have a proper backstop before you shoot. Accuracy is also essential for achieving a clean kill. No real sportsman wants to wound game and cause needless suffering. You must learn how to hit the vital organs of the game you hunt. Knowing your game, equipment, and skill level will tell you when you're in position to make a clean kill.

Firearm Safety in the Home

Statistics show that more than half of the fatal firearm incidents reported each year occur in the home. Since almost all incidents are caused by carelessness and lack of knowledge, it's the hunter's duty to help prevent firearm mishaps in the home. Most importantly, lock guns away where children can't reach them, and store ammunition in a separate location. Check to see that a firearm is unloaded before allowing it in any building or living area. Practice these safety rules if handling a firearm in the home. Immediately point the muzzle in a safe direction when you pick up a firearm. Keep your finger off the trigger. Always check to see that the chamber and the magazine are empty. If a gun is taken from storage to show friends, be sure they understand safe gun handling rules.

Introduction to Safe Carries

There are several ways to carry a gun safely and still have it ready for quick action. Three rules apply to all carrying methods: Muzzle pointed in a safe direction and under control Safety "on" until immediately before you're ready to shoot Finger outside the trigger guard Remember... No matter which carry position you choose, never point your muzzle in the direction of others.

Maintaining Your Safe Zone-of-Fire

When hunting in a group, hunters should shoot only at game in front of them. If three hunters are walking side by side hunting pheasants, the hunter in the center will shoot at birds flushed in the middle which fly straight away. The other hunters will shoot at birds flying toward their end of the line. If a bird turns and flies back across the line of hunters, it's best if all three hold their swings and do not fire. The same is true of a rabbit scurrying back between the hunters. No hunter, especially when swinging on game, should allow his or her gun to point at a person. Better to pass up a shot than risk injuring someone or damaging property. Everyone hunting in these situations should wear daylight fluorescent orange whether it's required by law or not.

Introduction to Firearm Safety

Whenever firearms are being handled, an incident can occur if the firearm is not handled responsibly. Preventing hunting-related shooting incidents, or HRSIs, depends on knowing and understanding firearms, and handling them skillfully and safely. Responsible hunters practice safe habits until they become second nature. Remember... When using a firearm, be sure to follow the five primary safety rules. You can remember these rules by thinking S.M.A.R.T.: Safe Direction: Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Make Sure: Positively identify your target. Always Check: Know what's beyond your target before shooting. Respect Firearms: Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Trigger Caution: Don't touch the trigger until you're ready to shoot.

Proper Field Carries—Two-Handed or "Ready" Carry

Provides the best control, particularly in thick brush or weeds, or when you need to fire quickly. If you fall, gives you better control of the gun and helps you keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Can be used as either a right- or left-handed carry. Use only if your gun would not be pointed at others while walking side-by-side. ← Previous

Clearing Obstructions

Unload Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Put the safety on, if possible. (Most firearms need to be on "fire" to open the action.) Empty/remove the magazine. (With tubular magazines, work the action several times to make sure the magazine is empty.) Open the firearm's action. Look into and feel the chamber to check for any ammunition. Check the Barrel Bolt Action: Remove the bolt, and look through the chamber into the barrel. Hinge Action: With the action open, look through the chamber into the barrel. Slide Action or Pump Action: Remove the barrel and look into it. Lever Action: Use a cleaning rod to check the barrel. Remove the Obstruction Use a cleaning rod to remove the obstruction. Make sure that the entire obstruction is removed before attempting to fire. Never attempt to "shoot out" the obstruction.

Match Firearms and Ammunition—Correctly!

With so many kinds of firearms and types of ammunition, it's not always easy to match the proper ammunition to your firearm correctly—but getting it right is critical. If you match the wrong ammunition to your gun, you can cause an explosion, injuring or possibly killing yourself and any bystanders. The rear of the shotgun barrel should be marked with the gauge and the length of the chamber. The barrel stamp of a rifle is usually stamped toward the rear of the barrel. To match the proper ammunition to your rifle, shotgun, or handgun correctly: Read the specific caliber or gauge designations on the side of the barrel. Match that barrel stamp designation exactly. For example, if it says ".270 Winchester," you cannot use ".270 Weatherby." Shotgun barrels will give the gauge and the length of the chamber (for example, "12 gauge for 2¾-inch shells" or "20-gauge magnum for 3-inch shells"). Carefully read the information on the lid of the ammunition box and on the head stamp on the ammunition. With shotgun ammunition, always check both the gauge and the shell length, and whether it's a magnum load, to ensure it matches the data on the barrel. Finally, match the proper caliber of cartridge, or gauge and length of shotshell, on the ammunition box and the ammunition head stamp to the barrel stamp before you shoot. Glossary loadThe amount of gunpowder in the cartridge or shotshell together with the weight of the bullet or shot charge ← Previous

Proper Field Carries—For Three Hunters, Walking Single File

Carry selection is based primarily on muzzle control and terrain. If three hunters are walking single file, the one in the lead should have the gun pointed ahead but never over the shoulder. The one in the middle must have the gun pointed to the side. The hunter in the rear may point the gun to either side or the rear.

Hunting-Related Shooting Incidents (HRSIs)

From a law enforcement viewpoint, a hunting-related shooting incident occurs when a hunter causes personal injury or death from the discharge of a firearm or bow. More broadly defined, a hunting incident is any unplanned, uncontrolled action that occurs while using a sporting arm. It can include near misses. Being responsible in order to prevent hunting incidents is your first priority. Causes of HRSIs are: Hunter Judgment Mistakes, such as mistaking another person for game or not checking the foreground or background before firing Safety rule violations, including pointing the muzzle in an unsafe direction and ignoring proper procedures for crossing a fence, obstacle, or difficult terrain Lack of Control and Practice, which can lead to accidental discharges and stray shots Mechanical Failure, such as an obstructed barrel or improper ammunition

Determining Your Safe Zone-of-Fire

Hunters should be spaced 25 to 40 yards apart and always in sight of one another. Each hunter has a zone-of-fire which spans about 45 degrees directly in front of each hunter. (Some states require an adult to be immediately beside a youth hunter. In this case, the adult should be a supervisor only—not a hunter.) A way to visualize 45 degrees is to focus on a distant, fixed object that is straight out in front of you. Stretch your arms straight out from your sides. Make a fist with your thumbs held up. Gradually draw your arms in toward the front until both thumbs are in focus without moving your eyes. This will give you your outer boundaries.

Loading Firearms—Lever Action

Make sure the firearm is not loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Check the firearm's data stamp. Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge data stamps. Select the proper type of ammunition. Load the firearm.Close the action.Place one round in the magazine.Cycle the action one time.Put the safety on.Place the remaining cartridges in the magazine.Keep your finger away from the trigger. ← Previous

Loading Firearms—Bolt Action

Make sure the firearm is not loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Check the firearm's data stamp. Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge data stamps. Select the proper type of ammunition. Load the firearm.Non-removable box magazine firearmsLoad the magazine with cartridges.Close the action.Put the safety on.Keep your finger away from the trigger.Removable box magazine firearmsRemove the magazine.Load the magazine with cartridges, and insert it into the magazine well.Close the action.Put the safety on.Keep your finger away from the trigger.

Checking for Obstructions

Occasionally you may trip or stumble in the field, accidentally dipping the barrel into the ground or snow. Immediately check for an obstruction which may be plugging the inside of the barrel: Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Open the action, unload the firearm, and remove the bolt (if applicable). Check for debris in the barrel. If the firearm is a break action, look through the barrel from the breech end. Or use a barrel light to inspect the barrel for obstruction. Remove the obstruction with a portable cleaning rod. Recheck the barrel. Reload and close the action.

Unloading Firearms

Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Put the safety on if it is not already on. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard. Open the action. Remove the ammunition by first detaching the magazine. Eject cartridges or shells if it's the only way to remove them. Make sure the gun is empty by checking both the chamber and the magazine. Remember... Removal of ammunition from the magazine or removal of the magazine from the firearm does not mean the firearm is unloaded!

Safety Practices to Help You Avoid Using Wrong Ammunition

Safety practices that will help you avoid using the wrong ammunition are: Purchase only the correct ammunition for your firearm. Buy the exact caliber or gauge and length of ammunition for which your rifle, handgun, or shotgun was designed. For example, shotshell must be the correct length for the shotgun. The data stamp on the barrel of the shotgun will identify what length shell can be used. Never use a shell that is longer than this length. Carry only the correct ammunition for the firearm you're using. Never mix ammunition such as carrying a caliber or gauge your companion uses. A common mistake involves putting a 20-gauge shotshell into a 12-gauge shotgun. The smaller gauge shell will slide through the 12-gauge chamber and partly down the barrel, causing an obstruction. The shooter, especially when excited by the presence of game, then might insert a 12-gauge shotgun shell behind the 20-gauge shell. Remember... Reloaded shells may have wrong information or have been improperly reloaded. It's important to mark reloaded shells clearly. Use only shells or cartridges that you have reloaded yourself or that have been reloaded by a person whom you know is competent.

The Danger of Using Wrong Ammunition

Smaller shotshells (such as 20-gauge shells), if mistakenly fed into a 12-gauge gun, will slip past the chamber and lodge in the barrel, causing serious personal injury or gun damage if a 12-gauge shell is loaded and fired. Some rifle and handgun ammunition also may fit into the wrong gun, creating a dangerous obstruction. The caliber or gauge stamped on the end of the shell must match what is stamped on the gun barrel. Some barrels are not stamped. Be sure the right ammunition is used in your gun.

Safe Shot Selection

The ability to take game animals or dispatch furbearers safely and humanely is based on knowing: Where to aim—requires knowledge of game anatomy The limitations of your firearm and your shooting skill What is next to, beyond, or beneath the target With this knowledge, hunters and trappers can effectively reduce wounding losses and hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs). "Don't-Shoot" Situations Animal is running. Animal is on the crest of a hill. Animal moves out of your zone-of-fire. Animal is on private property. Animal is in or near a safety zone. Vital organs are covered by brush, trees, etc. You are unsure of what's behind the animal. Other animals in a group are blocking the target animal's vitals or are behind the animal. Distance is too great for the firearm or your skill. Your visibility is limited by fog, snowfall, sunshine, or nightfall.

What Is a Zone-of-Fire?

The area in which a hunter can shoot safely is referred to as a zone-of-fire. Before setting off in a group, hunters should agree on the zone-of-fire each person will cover. A zone-of-fire depends on many factors, including the hunter's shooting ability, the game being hunted, the hunting environment, and the hunting strategy being used. A hunter's zone-of-fire changes with every step. This is particularly true of groups hunting birds, rabbits, or other small game. A hunter must never swing or shoot outside the safe zone-of-fire. For safety purposes, it's best to have no more than three hunters in a group. For new hunters, two is a safer number until they become familiar with maintaining a proper zone-of-fire. Remember... A hunter's zone-of-fire changes with every step. It's important to remain alert and aware of your companions' locations at all times.

Firearm Safety at the Shooting Range

A successful hunt begins with target practice at the shooting range. Many of the rules that govern safe firearm handling in the field apply to the shooting range. But a shooting range has some additional requirements. Read all range rules that apply to the type of shooting you will do that day. If there is a range master, be sure to follow his or her instructions while shooting. When not shooting, unload your firearm and leave it on the range line or bench until you're given further instructions. Don't handle your firearm while other shooters are downrange. Step away from the firing line or bench until the range is clear and the range master instructs you to approach the line or bench. If no range master is present, all shooters must decide on safety commands beforehand so that it's clear when someone intends to go downrange. Before any person goes beyond the firing line or downrange, unload your firearm and step away from the line until the other person returns. Under no circumstances should you shoot a firearm when someone is downrange or past the firing line. Always wear hearing and eye protection, even if you're watching others shoot. Respond immediately to anyone calling for a "cease fire."

What You Learned (cont.)

Always unload guns before crossing fences or other obstacles or before negotiating rough terrain. If alone, place the gun on the other side of the obstacle, cross, and pull the gun toward you by the butt. If two people are crossing, one person gives the other person both guns, crosses first, and then receives the unloaded guns from the other hunter. Occasionally you may trip or stumble in the field, accidentally dipping the barrel into the ground or snow. Immediately check for an obstruction. When loading or unloading a firearm, always point the muzzle in a safe direction and make sure the safety is on. The area in which a hunter can shoot safely is referred to as a zone-of-fire. Before setting off in a group, hunters should agree on the zone-of-fire each person will cover. It's best to have no more than three hunters in a group. Everyone should wear daylight fluorescent orange. Only one hunter should aim at a target. Hunters should shoot only at game in front of them. Hunters should follow these other safety practices also. Self-control and target identification - Only shoot when you are sure of your target and have a safe zone-of-fire. Accuracy - Accuracy is essential for achieving a clean kill. Be sure you have a proper backstop before you shoot.

Four Main Causes of Hunting Incidents in Pennsylvania

Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. If you cannot see what lies beyond the target, do not take the shot. The majority of HRSIs in Pennsylvania fall into two categories: hunters mistaking others for game or shooting at game when others are in their line of fire. Failure to positively ID targetEach year people are injured or killed when their movement is thought to be a game species moving through cover.Never shoot unless the target is fully and plainly visible. Failure to maintain a safe zone-of-fireBullets and shot pellets do not stop when the target is missed, but continue to travel until they lose their energy and fall to the ground or impact with another object.Never shoot if another hunter or person is in or near your zone-of-fire. Remember... The most common hunting incidents result from mistakes in hunter judgment. Eighty percent of all firearm incidents occur within 50 yards of the muzzle.

Loading Firearms—Pump or Slide Action

Make sure the firearm is not loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Check the firearm's data stamp. Locate the correct ammunition by checking the cartridge data stamps. Select the proper type of ammunition. Load the firearm.Load one shotshell into the tubular magazine.Open the breech by unlocking the slide and pulling it to the rear.Close the breech by moving the slide forward.Put the safety on.Load the remaining shotshells into the tubular magazine.Keep your finger away from the trigger. ← Previous

What You Learned

Responsible hunters practice safe habits until they become second nature. Practice the five primary rules of firearm safety. Safe Direction: Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Make Sure: Positively identify your target. Always Check: Know what's beyond your target before shooting. Respect Firearms: Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Trigger Caution: Don't touch the trigger until you're ready to shoot. If you are handling a firearm in the home, also follow these safety rules. Immediately point the muzzle in a safe direction when you pick up a firearm. Keep your finger off the trigger. Always check to see that the chamber and the magazine are empty. A hunting incident is any unplanned, uncontrolled action that occurs while using a sporting arm. It can include near misses. The four main causes of hunting incidents are hunter judgment mistakes, safety rule violations, lack of control and practice, and mechanical failure. There are several ways to carry a gun safely and still have it ready for quick action. Three rules apply to all carrying methods: Muzzle pointed in a safe direction and under control Safety "on" until immediately before you're ready to shoot Finger outside the trigger guard Six proper field carries hunters can use are trail carry, sling carry, elbow or side carry, two-handed or "ready" carry, cradle carry, and shoulder carry. Do not use the trail carry when you're behind someone. Do not use the elbow carry when someone is in front of you. Do not use the shoulder carry when someone is behind you. Carry selection is based primarily on muzzle control and terrain. When walking with others, be sure all hunters keep their guns pointing away from their companions.

Self-Control and Target Identification

Some hunters may become overly anxious or excited on a hunt, which can lead to careless behavior. They may fire at sounds, colors, movements, or unidentified shapes, or simply shoot too quickly. In the excitement after hitting their target, they may swing a loaded firearm toward their companions or run with the safety off toward a downed animal. Slow, careful shooting is not only safer, but it also produces a higher degree of success. Hunter's Tip Self-control is an essential aspect of hunter safety. Only shoot when you know the target is legal game and that no people, domestic animals, buildings, or equipment are in the zone-of-fire—remember that bullets can pass through game and continue on for some distance with deadly force. Remember... In addition to gun handling, several other factors affect your safety during the hunt: Weather, especially the sun's glare Pests, such as fire ants, snakes, and bees Your emotional state Your stamina, especially when hunts are physically demanding