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SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS (Try these topics with F3: Drive, clothing,
--------------------- Stand, Survival, Knife, Shoot, Gun)
Review safety rules before each hunt; review with other
hunting partners also.
Physical Requirements -
Make sure you can physically do what you plan - consider
the worst environments e.g. snow, ice, rain, etc.
Get a physical examination if in doubt.
Get preliminary exercise - walking, hiking, jogging to
get in necessary shape.
Elderly hunters may want to hunt with a younger partner
General -
Safety has priority over everything else.
Know the area where you hunt; where homes, picnic grounds,
or other areas are that may have human presence. Develop
safe shooting zones excluding any area of human presence.
Mark the zones with fluorescent tape or other marker if
on stand. Get compass readings of safe shooting zones
and use if still hunting, tracking, stalking, or tracking
so that you always know safe shooting directions
even if you lose your sense of direction in the woods.
A 'pin on' compass can help keep you oriented to
safe shooting zones also.
If you live in a rural area or have traveling family
members, inform them of the hunting season and remind
them to wear blaze orange in or near hunting areas.
Make sure you can trust your hunting partners regarding
safety.
Use a flashlight at dawn and dusk so other hunters can
identify you; blaze orange does not show up well in
lower lighting.
Clothing -
Wear blaze orange clothing at all times in
in or near the field during any hunting season
Dress for worst possible weather - it can change
Shooting -
Read instruction manual for gun and know it thoroughly
Know gun operation thoroughly
Practice safety operation on unloaded gun so that you
know how safety and fire position look and feel
Do not rely on safety to prevent accidental discharge
Use proper ammunition for firearm; most firearms have
ammunition type stamped on barrel
Watch out for lever action rifles which have a hammer
that can be bumped causing discharge
Dry barrel of oil, etc. before shooting
Put safety on before loading or unloading cartridges or slugs
and point in safe direction as you load, unload
Keep rifle on safe until ready to shoot; never carry
a rifle loaded with the safety in the fire position
Keep fingers out of trigger guard until ready to shoot
MAKE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND;
DO NOT SHOOT BASED ON SOUND OR WHAT YOU THINK A TARGET IS;
MAKE POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE TARGET BEFORE
SIGHTING IN ON IT
Watch out for color dimming in dawn and dusk; blaze orange
may look greyish
Establish safe shooting zones among hunters; know the
location of other hunters, homes, roads, etc.
Always point rifles away from others in a safe direction
Carry rifle safely pointed in safe direction
Unload going over obstacles or where you may fall e.g.
fences, ice patches, snowfilled hills; at least unload the
chamber - control the direction of the muzzle - protect
the muzzle to keep it free of obstructions
When crossing fence alone, unload and place under fence with
muzzle pointing away from where you cross fence.
When crossing fence with others, unload firearm, keep action
open, give firearm to companion while you cross. Then
take your companions unloaded, action open firearm while
he crosses.
Watch out for branches which may pull trigger or jolt a hammer
Use caution loading and unloading guns; help those who
have less experience
Never lean gun against tree, wall, vehicle, etc.; gun
can fall and discharge.
Always point gun in safe direction even with safety on;
a gun still can discharge with the safety on; a safe
direction includes where no people are or where no
wall, ceiling, etc. is with people on the other side.
Unload firearms when not in use
Make sure the barrel is free of obstructions before shooting
Never climb a tree with a loaded firearm
Wear shooting glasses and hearing protection when shooting
Don't shoot at a surface which can cause a ricochet e.g.
concrete, walls, water, etc.
Always transport unloaded firearms only; bounces can cause
discharges besides being illegal in many areas
Shoot only when sober; avoid alcohol and/or drugs
Make sure others are out of path of shells you eject
when shooting
In the event of a misfire or funny sounding shot inspect the
bore after unloading and removing bolt. Sometimes a cartridge
may detach from the bullet; remove cartridge and any loose
powder; use cleaning rod to free bullet.
Remember to put the safety back on after shooting; in the
excitement after shooting remember to keep rifle pointed
in safe direction with safety on.
Do not alter your gun
Make sure deer is dead before approaching and
cleaning, kill deer with finishing shot
Shoot into a ridge if at all possible or have your stand
in a high place so that bullet goes in downward angle to
ground
Make sure you have a safe shot; take your time; if you have
any doubt pass up the shot.
Use the correct ammunition for your firearm; carry ony one
type to avoid mixing.
If you fall control the muzzle into a safe direction;
check muzzle for obstructions, dirt or damage (unload first).
Never use scope on firearm as binoculars.
Watch out for fatique which may cause you to act unsafely;
return to camp to rest if you are too fatigued - fatigue
also may cause you to see things not there.
(Get a good nights sleep the night before hunting.)
Make sure children know the difference between a toy and
a real firearm. Answer questions from children openly and
honestly.
Whenever showing a firearm to another pick up gun, open
the action, and make sure it is not loaded - a second
person examining it should do the same.
Safe gun carrying procedure:
Two hand carry in front of you (muzzle pointing up)-
gives best control - are most ready to fire.
Cradle carry - (rifle cradled on top of elbow joint, muzzle up) -
both hands hold firearm - safe but muzzle points to one side -
do not use when walking on side of person.
Elbow or side carry (butt underneath armpit, muzzle pointing down -
one hand free) safe in open terrain; in woods muzzle may
catch on branches and tangle. Do not use when following
behind a person.
Shoulder Carry (hand on stock, muzzle up, rifle resting on
shoulder pointing behing you - other hand free) - safe but
make sure muzzle points up - do not use when people follow you.
Trail Carry (one hand free - one hand holds rifle at comfortable
balance point) - do not use when following someone.
Sling Carry (rifle carried with sling - both hands free -
generally used for long distances) -
you may want to use one hand to keep control of firearm anyway
especially in wooded areas. Should not use in dense woods
since brush may pull off of shoulder.
Be careful muzzle remains unobstructed in woods from branches,
snow, etc. - You may wish to carry the rifle with the sling
except muzzle down to avoid snow, rain in barrel. However,
always use care with muzzle direction. If walking ahead of
persons, perhaps use muzzle down sling carry so barrel points
ahead of you; if walking behind person (no one behind you)
perhaps use sling carry with muzzle up so it tends to point
backward.
When walking abreast - hunters at end should use cradle or side
carry with muzzles pointing away from rest of hunters; hunters
in middle should use side (muzzle forward) or two hand carry
(muzzle up and forward).
When walking single file - first person can use any carry
except the shoulder carry. The following persons (except last
person) should use the two handed or cradle carry. The
last person may use the two-handed, cradle, sling (muzzle up),
or shoulder carry.
Firearms in boats -
Boat's bow (front of boat) facing out to water when loading
or while traveling:
Place firearm in bow first with muzzle pointing forward
(provided this is safe direction - and bow faces out to water -
if not move the bow of boat until it is); after bow hunter
enters boat, then place next firearm in stern (back of boat)
muzzle pointing backwards away from front of boat and/or pier
in a safe direction and away from where hunter will push off
boat.
Boat's bow facing into land (stern in water) when loading:
Place firearm in stern first muzzle pointed away from bow
and/or pier where hunter will push off from. Have stern
hunter enter; then have bow hunter place rifle in bow muzzle
pointing away from stern and where hunter will push off
Allways keep muzzle pointed in safe direction.
Tree Stands -
A large percentage of accidents happen with tree
stands so use great care...
A tree stand may be safer in some areas because it
gets you above the shooting area where deer are; also
the height can allow more shots to angle into the ground
instead of parallel to it.
Use a ground stand in hilly territory; perhaps setting
up safely just below the high point.
Wear a safety harness
UNLOAD guns before climbing up or down and bring gun up
or down with a rope tied to both barrel and stock,
you climb the tree more safely without a gun on your
shoulder and an unloaded gun which falls harms
no one
Inspect the ground or tree platform for solidness
(look for rust, mildew, wood rot)
(use treated wood to prevent rotting)
Use enough steps on stands you make
(galvanized nails are best but still can rust)
Secure ladder stands so they are rigid and will not move
Make sure necessary branches are strong and not dead or
rotting
Remove ice and snow
Make sure of footing in rain or snow
Wear non-slip boots which have good traction; replace
before the traction wears out
Stay on ground if tired, sleepy, or under medication
Do not put gun on branch, nail or lay down
Use safety rope on gun around grip; keep gun in hands
Take extra nails and a hammer
For all camouflage stands put something blaze orange outside
stand so other hunters know where you are
Rattling, Calling -
make sure other hunters in area see you and know
you are not a deer
Driving -
a large percentage of accidents happen when using the
drive method so use extreme care when driving ...
hold a pre-drive meeting and make sure everyone knows
where each will drive or stand and discuss the compass
headings as discussed below.
standers must never shoot in direction of drivers or other
standers - to ensure this:
drivers and standers must carry compasses, drivers use
the compass to stay on line, standers use compasses to
make sure they do not shoot in direction drivers come
or where other standers are...
make sure compasses work and each person has the same
exact heading in degrees if possible, drivers must hold
exactly to their compass direction.
standers should mark safe shooting arcs on trees or ground
around him - the shooting arc should exclude directions
drivers come from and where other standers are -
add a big safety margin to these arcs - the stander
should only shoot in his marked arc - use the compass
to verify safe arcs.
drivers should never carry guns and should not shoot -
frequently drives occur through dense cover where a driver
could fall, a branch could pull a trigger, or other
accidental discharges could occur.
drivers should shout and make a lot of noise; this lets
standers know you are a not a deer (it may also causes deer
to move)
Still Hunting, Tracking, Stalking -
make sure you know hunting area thoroughly so you do
not get lost.
make sure you know how to use a compass to find way; you
may find yourself in unfamiliar territory tracking
a wounded deer for example.
know safe shooting arcs on your compass so that if you
lose your direction you still know safe zones to shoot
in. A jacket 'pin on' compass may help you know
safe shooting zones easier than a pocket compass.
Hunting Knife safety -
Knife should have well sharpened blade and point
Have a knife sheath that protects you should you fall
Do not draw or pull the knife toward yourself
Do not use to cut through heavy bones
Keep handle and hand dry to avoid slipping
Use a knife with a guard to keep your hand from slipping
onto the blade
Heaters -
Make sure to have adequate ventilation with heaters
which use up oxygen in confined spaces e.g. tents,
cabins, etc. Carbon monoxide can cause death quickly.
Recommended ventilation includes fresh air inlet from
ground or other low level; a roof or high air outlet
which allows carbon monoxide to escape (carbon monoxide
will float to top). Symptoms of carbon monoxide include
first a severe quick headache, red face, then stomach
sickness and vomiting. Get fresh air if you notice a
headache and provide proper ventilation.
Never sleep with certain heaters on which use up oxygen.
Read directions carefully on all portable heaters and
with use of propane or other fuel.
Ammunition -
Shells contain a chemical propellants; secure shells
with the same safety precautions as a firearm.
At End of Season -
Always assume a firearm is loaded before handling.
Unload all firearms in the field or at the range before
taking them into the home
Whenever showing a firearm to another pick up gun, open
the action, and make sure it is not loaded - a second
person examining it should do the same.
Clean rifle examining for rust and malfunctioning parts -
store in a dry environment to prevent dampness from
causing rust but away from heat which may split
wood stocks.
Put trigger lock in when storing in off-season
Store gun and ammunition where children or other unauthorized
people cannot reach them - preferably locked. Lock
and store ammunition in a different area or room than
the firearms. Keep keys away from children.
Store unloaded gun so it cannot be dropped when something else
is pulled from area
Hypothermia -
Watch out for hypothermia (exposure to cold) -
Make sure to dress warm; hunters are prime candidates
for hypothermia; take a woolen hat and mittens
and dress in layers of clothes -
signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable fits of
shivering, dizziness, disorientation, memory loss, stumbling,
drowsiness (to sleep may be to die), fatique, and slurred speech -
Believe the symptoms not the victim who may deny problem.
get a person out of wet clothes and warmed up SOON by a
fire and/or with blankets. Put victim in sleeping bag
with another person or between to people if bag is big
enough. Drink warm liquids but not anything with alcohol.
Get to a doctor.
Hypothermia cases can develop in temperatures as
high as 30 to 50 degrees and many do.
Carry some foods and hot liquids with you; chocolate or
hot soup.
Take matches in case you need to start a fire.
Alcohol -
Moderation in alcohol consumption has just as much
importance as safe shooting practice
Do not use firearms or bows when under the influence
of alcohol or drugs which impair your physical abilities
and thinking
Only time sobers you up - not coffee, exercise, being
outdoors, or showers.
On average your body can process one drink an hour so
you want to wait an appropriate time before picking up
a gun. This time may vary so use caution.
Survival -
Here are some proven common sense rules to help you
stay out of trouble while hunting, hiking, or
backpacking. It is very important for you to know how
to care for yourself in the field and back country.
IT COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH
::PLAN AND PREPARE TO PREVENT TROUBLE
** Tell someone where you are going and when you expect
to return. Leave a description of yourself, your
vehicle, and your vehicle license number with a
responsible person. Advise them when to notify the
proper authorities or a responsible agency if you should
not return on time.
** NEVER hunt, hike or backpack by yourself.
** Cancel your trip or change areas if the weather turns
bad.
** If you are out just for the day plan to return to
camp or vehicle BEFORE DARK.
** Wear clothing proper for the WORST conditions possible
in the area you plan to be in. (Hat,gloves, good boots,
warm jacket, and if you plan to camp out be sure that you
have a GOOD sleeping bag.)
** Study the area carefully. Take maps and a compass and
KNOW how to use them.
** Assemble and carry with you a practical survival kit
that includes a space blanket, waterproof matches, PLASTIC
whistle, first aid kit, signal mirror, knife, high energy
food supplements, and water as minimum. (Drink plenty of
water when hiking in cold or snowy weather.) Include a
booklet on survival and first aid.
** Be prepared for the worst, expect the best. Keep a
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE(PMA.) DO NOT VENTURE OUT IF YOU
ARE A NEGATIVE THINKER. Be mentally prepared for the
possibility of someday having too face a survival situation.
IN THE EVENT YOU DO BECOME LOST
*** STOP! If lost, admit it, stop traveling, stay put and
wait for rescue.
*** THINK! POSITIVE! Keep your PMA. The only thing to fear
is fear itself. Judge the situation and the problems
which might occur. Keep a rational mind, avoid confusion
or panic. Remember, worry wastes energy.
*** OBSERVE! Look around for possible solutions to the
problems.
*** PLAN! Set up a course of action which will best use
your energy and resources.
*** Check yourself for injuries and attend to them
promptly.
*** Find shelter and build a fire. Conserve precious
body heat and energy, keep dry, get comfortable rest
and some sleep if possible. Avoid HYPOTHERMIA and
frostbite.
*** Don't worry about food. You can live for 30 days
or more without food and 3 days without water.
Minimum of activity conserves water and body heat.
*** Know how to use your survival kit and have it
with you. It won't do you any good sitting back in
camp or in the vehicle.
*** Prepare for rescue. Blow your whistle often, you
may not know if someone if near. Use your signal
mirror on a clear day and build a smoke fire with
green boughs.
CONTENTS OF A LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT SURVIVAL KIT ARE
AS FOLLOWS.
l red clip on kit or a fanny pack
2 space survival blankets
1 25' nylon cord
1 waterproof match safe with matches and
1 BIC butane lighter
1 Metal match
1 pad 0000 steel wool or cotton in a zip lock
bag for starting a fire.
1 GOOD quality signal mirror
1 PLASTIC coach-type whistle (ACME Thunderer)
1 Duracell #805 flashlight w/extra batteries
1 Varco Woodsman wire saw
1 bottle Potable Aqua water purification tablets
(Don't drink yellow snow)
1 Silva Compass
1 bottle liquid insect repellent
1 package glucose tablets, extra food and/or
powdered Gatorade
WATER
What ever else you think you might need.
1 SMALL FIRST AID KIT
******REMEMBER, it makes good sense to prevent
becoming lost by thoughtful preparation and
planning. If you become lost, keep your head,
take care of yourself, and make it easier for
someone to find you. Survival is 10% equipment,
10% knowing how to use the equipment, and 80%
PMA.
HAVE A GOOD TIME IN THE BACKCOUNTRY
Survival information Courtesy of White Mountain Search & Rescue
Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA 09/88