Safety and Firearms Care Introduction

Before separating from the group when hunting big game, each hunter should determine these things before the hunt.

-his planned location -the direction he will travel -his established zone of fire

The fundamental rules for safe gun handling are:

1- always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction 2- always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot 3-always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

Firearms safety while traveling

1- be sure gun is unloaded 2-place gun in protective case 3-position gun securely so it doesn't move during travel 4-always check with carrier's agent if you are transporting gun on a bus, train or plane

Steps to clean a gun

1-clean bore through breech where possible 2-clean barrel & metal parts with good commercial solvent until the patch comes clean 3-next run an oily patch through 4-light coat all metal parts with oil 5-preferably store in a horizontal position

To clean a firearm you will need:

1-cleaning rod 2-patches 3-powder solvent 4-light gun oil

Firearms safety in the field

1-keep the muzzle pointed away from yourself and others 2-keep the safety in the "ON" position when carrying the gun 3-keep your finger outside the trigger guard

This is a safe carry, however the muzzle points to one side, this method should not be used when walking beside anyone.

Cradle Carry

This carry is safe when walking in open terrain. It should not be used when walking through bush because branches can get tangled around the gun and push the barrel downward. Do not use the side carry when others are ahead of you.

Elbow or Side Carry

This carry is safe when walking beside or behind someone. special care must be taken to keep the muzzle pointed upward. Do not use this carry when others are behind you.

Shoulder Carry

When walking single file, the leader may choose any of the carries except the ___________ carry.

Shoulder Carry

This carry is often used by hunters who must walk a long way before taking a shot. This carry leaves both of the hunter's hands free. However, when walking in dense brush, it should not be used because the gun may get caught in brush and be pulled off the hunter's shoulder.

Sling Carry

This carry is safe when several people are walking abreast. It is also safe for the leader when people are walking single file but others in the line should not carry their guns this way.

Trail Carry

Center of the line hunters should use the __________ or ___________ carry.

Two- hand or cradle carry

The safest carry for hunters; gives you good control of the muzzle and allows you to raise your gun quickly for a shot

Two-hand or Ready Carry

Which gun is the best and safest choice in learning how to shoot?

a rifle or shotgun loaded with a single shell or cartridge

Rules of gun Safety cont. 5- When hunting with others and you must cross a fence, unload the gun and keep the _______ open. Have one of your companions hold the gun while you cross. When over the fence, take you gun and your companion's unloaded gun, so that he may cross safely.

action

Rules of Gun Safety 6-Never use a scope sight as a substitute for ___________.

binoculars

____________ should always be kept clean. If sand or dirt collects in the bullet lubricant, it can damage the ________ of the gun.

bore

Both hunters should remain in the _______ of the boat with their firearms always pointing away from each other.

center

If three hunters in pursuit of game birds where to walk across an open field, the middle hunter's zone of fire would be birds flying in the ____________ of the field

center

What will help keep your gun in good working order and will prevent it from rusting?

cleaning

When hunting from a pit or blind, lay your unladed firearm on the ground near the entrance to the pit. When you are in the pit bring in the unloaded gun. Check your gun carefully to be sure teh muzzle has not become __________ with dirt or snow. Unload the gun before leaving the pit or blind. Lay it on the ground outside before you come back out.

clogged

Even minor repairs should be made by an ___________

expert

Rules of Field Safety 3- If you ___, try to control where the muzzle points. After a ________, check your gun for dirt and damage and make sure the barrel is free of obstructions.

fall fall

____________ can cause carelessness and clumsiness which can cause accidents.

fatigue

_______________ can cause you to see things that aren't really there.

fatigue

Before firing remove excess ________ and _________

grease and oil

Guns which are not operating properly should be examined by a __________ or sent back to the _______________

gunsmith manufacturer

What can we learn about older guns?

history and some of the hardships faced by men who relied on such guns for their lives

Handling a firearm properly is the key to safe __________

hunting

The third hunter's zone of fire would be birds flying in the area to the __________.

left

When the firearm is clean, store the unloaded gun in a horizontal position in a __________ cabinet.

locked

What can you learn by studying gun actions?

mechanical principles

Rules are safe only when they are ________.

obeyed

too much ____ can clog the gun and prevent the firearm action from working smoothly

oil

If a hunter shoots ____ of his zone of fire, he could hit one of his companions.

out

Rules of Field Safety 1- Be ____________ of your target's identity before shooting.

positive

Firearms are ___________ instruments.

precision

Who should teach gun instruction?

qualified instructors

If a companion doesn't follow the rules of safe gun handling, you should ___________ to hunt with him unless he is prepared to correct his behavior.

refuse

Beginning and inexperienced shooters should never attempt to _____________ a firearm.

repair

The most common rifle and most common shotgun that is loaded with a single shell or cartridge?

rifle- bolt action shotgun- hinge action

The zone of fire for the hunter on the right would be birds flying in the area to the __________ side.

right

Rules of Field Safety 2-Take time to fire a __________ _________. If unsure, if you must move too quickly, pass up the shot. When in doubt---DON'T. When you wonder whether you should shoot DON'T!

safe shot

Before ____________, anchor the boat firmly.

shooting

When hunters are postioned in a line abreast, the hunters at either end should use the _____________ carry.

side or two-hand carry

When cleaning your gun, make sure to use oil _______________.

sparingly

Guns are not _______

toys

The last person in line may use the ________, ____________, __________ or ______________ carry.

two-hand, cradle, sling or shoulder carry

Any gun which has been stored _________ for a long time or has been exposed to moisture or dirt, must be cleaned thoroughly before use.

uncovered

Before cleaning any firearm check to make sure it's ______

unloaded

What determines what carry you use?

where your companions are located and the kind of terrain you are walking through

What can you learn from target practice with modern arms?

you can develop physical skills that will help you in many other activities

After the zones of fire have been established, each hunter must shoot only within his specific ______________.

zone

The responsible hunter-

1-learns before the hunt how to shoot properly 2-is familiar with his firearms and makes sure it is operating properly 3-knows the range and effectiveness of his ammunition and makes sure he has the right ammunition for the gun being used and what is being hunted 4-his gun is accurately sighted in

When hunting in a boat, the firearm to be carried in the bow should be placed in ______. It should be unloaded and pointed forward. After the first hunter is in the bow of the boat, the second unloaded firearm should be placed in the shove-off and take his position in the stern. While the boat is moving, do not permit the front firearm to protrude pas the bow or gunwales because it could catch on reeds or brush.

first

Rules of Gun Safety 5- When you are alone and must cross a fence, unload your firearm and place it __________ the fence with the muzzle pointed away from where you are crossing.

under

Rules of Gun Safety 4- __________ your gun before trying to climb a steep bank or travel across slippery ground.

unload

Rules of gun safety 7- When finished hunting, __________ your gun before returning to camp.

unload

When you have finished hunting, _____________ your gun before returning to your vehicle or camp.

unload

Every member of the hunting party must be informed of each hunter's _________ ______ ___________.

zone of fire

When with others, what must be established so each hunter will not endanger others when he shoots.

zones of fire