Safety
Hunter Course
Kansas
Sport Hunting Association
(by permission)
Hunting
is not necessarily a dangerous sport, but is terribly
unforgiving of mistakes. Accidents in the field are
caused by equipment failure and human error with the
overwhelming majority caused by human error.
The
Safe Hunter Course teaches proper gun handling in circumstances
related to hunting. Basic information about ammunition
and guns, especially as applied to their safe use, is
included. Sportsmanship is stressed too,because safe
hunting and sportsmanship go hand in hand. There is
no intent to teach expert marksmanship. That is a separate
subject requiring considerably more training and practice.
GUNS & AMMO
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Knowledge of gun safety logically begins with a study
of how they operate.Different types of hunting guns
have different parts, use different types of ammunition
and are used differently. For instance, birdshot or
buckshot fired from a shotgun, with its relatively short
range, will do little harm to a person 400 yards away.
A rifle, including a .22, can kill at the same - and
much greater - distance. However, within range, a shotgun
is just as dangerous as a rifle.
Shotguns
are classified by gauge instead of caliber. For instance,
a 16-gauge shotgun is one that has a barrel with inside
diameter of such size that 16 lead balls of the same
size would weigh a pound. There is an exception to this
general rule. The 410-gauge shotgun is designated by
caliber measurement in thousandths of an inch.
Each
gauge of shotgun shoots only shells of the same gauge:
12-gauge shells are used in 12-gauge guns, etc. The
gauge of a shotgun is usually marked on the rear of
the barrel, and the gauge of a shell is always marked
on the shell as well as being printed on the 25-round
box in which shells come from the factory. WARNING!
20-gauge shells, if mistakenly fed into a 12-gauge gun,
will slip past the chamber and lodge in the barrel,
causing gun damage or injury should a 12-gauge shell
then be fired in the gun.
Types of Guns
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Types of shotguns and rifles are usually distinguished
and named by their action design. Everyone is familiar
with the rifle or shotgun into which a single cartridge
or shell is loaded by hand. This is the single-shot.
Both the double barrel and over-and-under shotguns are
just two single-shot guns joined together. Single-shot
rifles are most always of the bolt-action type.Older
models may be of the lever-action type. Single-shot
shotguns are most frequently of the hinge-action type.
Repeating
rifles and shotguns include the lever-action, bolt-action,
pump-action and semi-automatic, or self-loading types.
Operating the lever, bolt,or the fore end extracts and
ejects the empty shell, reloads a fresh shell into the
chamber and cocks the gun.
The
so-called automatics are actually semi-automatic or
self-loading. There loading is automatic but it is necessary
to press the trigger for each shot.True automatics,
such as machine guns, continue firing as long as the
trigger is held back and the ammunition lasts. They
are not legal arms in any state.
A
federal game law controls the use of all types of repeating
shotguns. The Migratory Bird Act requires that magazines
of such guns be plugged so they will hold only two shells.
These, plus one shell in the chamber, limit the shooter
to three shells at one loading. Many shotguns are made
to fire more than three shells at one loading but the
manufacturers usually furnish magazine plugs. Some states
also ban the use of semi-automatic guns in hunting.
Hunters who wish to use this type of gun should check
the game laws of the state concerned to be sure it may
be used legally.
Pump Action,Single Barrel Repeater
Automatic Action, Single Barrel Repeater
Bolt Action,Single Barrel Repeater
Break Action, Single Barrel, Single Shot
Break
Action, Side-by-Side Double Barrel
Break Action,Over-and-Under Double Barrel
Shotguns are made in several well-known gauges,12, 16,
20, 28 and .410. Other gauges have been used in the
past but are not presently in common use. These include
4, 8, 10, 14, 24 and 32 gauges.
Shotgun ammunition used in hunting falls into three
general categories:small, or birdshot; large, or buckshot;
rifled slug. Selection of the shot size and the weight
of the charge should be made based on the game being
hunted. Use of the slug is perfectly safe in any modern
shotgun but its accuracy increases as choke decreases.
Use of certain types of ammunition is restricted in
some states. The wise hunter will make certain that
the type of ammunition he plans to use is legal in the
state in which he is hunting.
 Shotgun
pellets travel about 1,100 feet per second and have
a maximum range of only a few hundred yards. A rifle
bullet may travel as fast as 3,000 feet per second and
has a range of from one to several miles.
Shotgun Choke
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The choke determines the spread of the shot after it
leaves the barrel. It does this by a constriction at
a point about 11/2 inches from the end of the barrel.
One way to visualize a choke is to think of it in terms
of a water-hose nozzle . . . full choke when water comes
out in a narrow stream,modified choke when water comes
out in a narrow spray, and improved cylinder choke when
water comes out in a wide spray.
Several
types of choke are made, as listed below; the "spread
effect" of the most common types of choke are illustrated.
- Full
Choke is the most constricted (keeps the shot close
together).
- Modified
Choke is less constricted than Full.
- Improved
Cylinder is less constricted than Modified.
- Cylinder
Choke means there is no constriction (choke) in the
barrel and the shot spreads quickly, as soon as it
leaves the barrel.
"Choke"
controls the distribution of shot at the various distances
at which game or clay targets are usually hit.
"Spread
Effect" of the 3 Most Common Types of Choke
Safeties
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The safety is a most important device on both shotgun
and rifle. It is located so the trigger hand may operate
it easily. It blocks the action of the gun so that it
cannot be fired when the safety latch, or button, is
in the "on"position. The safety should be "on" at all
times when the gun is loaded and released only immediately
before the shot. However-a good word of caution-safeties
are mechanical devices and sometimes fail to work because
of wear or some other reason. No hunter should depend
wholly on the safety to prevent accidental firing. The
safety is meant only to supplement proper gun handling.
Proper Gun
Handling [back
to index]
Handling a gun properly is the real key to hunting safety.
A majority of all gun accidents can be avoided if the
simple safety principles of holding and pointing a gun
are observed. Three primary rules will eliminate most
of these tragedies.
1. TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT WERE LOADED.
"I didn't know it was loaded" is never an acceptable
excuse. The safe gun-handler checks to make sure by
opening the action and never takes the word of anyone
as to its condition.
2.
ALWAYS POINT THE MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
The true gun expert is easy to spot by the way he handles
a gun. He never allows the muzzle to point at any person-himself
or any member of his party. And he will insist that
everyone else follow the same rule.
3.
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET ... AND BEYOND. The
good hunter carefully identifies his target before he
fires. He never shoots at a sound, a patch of color
or at any object until he has had a full view of his
game. He will pass up an outstanding trophy rather than
take the slightest risk of being wrong.
Afield
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There are several ways to carry a gun so it is never
a threat to other hunters yet is ready for instant use.
One good position is to grip the small of the stock
in the trigger hand and cradle the barrel in the crook
of the other arm.Another carry, and probably the best
because it gives better control of the muzzle, is to
hold the fore-end in one hand and the small of the stock
in the other. The familiar shoulder carry is also used.
In
all carries the standard rules apply:
1. SAFETY "ON."
2. FINGER OUTSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD
3. MUZZLE IN A SAFE DIRECTION, AND UNDER CONTROL.
As an example, if three hunters are walking in a single
file, the one in the lead may have his gun pointed ahead
of him-but never over his shoulder.The one in the middle
must have his gun pointed to the side but the man in
the
rear would have a safe carry if his gun was pointing
either to the side or rear. If the same men are walking
abreast, the men at the side may carry
their guns pointing either to the side away from their
party or to the front while the man in the center should
keep his pointing to the front.
Shooting Window
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Parties hunting together should agree beforehand on
the area each shooter will cover. This is particularly
true of groups hunting birds, rabbits or other small
game. Take our three hunters again, this time on a hunt
for Ringneck pheasants. The hunter in the center will
take all "going away" birds flushed in the middle half
of the line. The other hunters will shoot at all birds
flying to their respective sides of the line. Should
a bird turn and fly back across the line of hunters,
it is best if they all hold their fire, especially if
the bird is low.
The same is true of a rabbit scurrying back between
two of the hunters. No
hunter, even when he is following game with his gun,
should allow it to point
at one of his companions. Again-it is far better to
pass up a shot than to be forever sorry it was taken.
In
hunting larger game, where the party separates over
a wide area, equal care should be taken to know where
each hunter is going to be. The hunter is less likely
to mistake a man for a deer under any circumstances
when he knows a man is there.
Target Identification
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The need for being sure of the target cannot be overemphasized.
A hunter should fire only when he has positively identified
his target as legal game and has assured himself that
no humans or domestic animals are in the zone of fire.
Many hunters shoot too quickly anyway. Deliberateness
will pay off double better shooting and, more important
yet, positive identification will be possible.
A
good rule to follow is that the target is not certain
until the entire animal or bird is visible.
Self-Control
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A hunter naturally focuses on getting game. Unless he
is an experienced woodsman, and perhaps even then, he
is under strong emotional stress. All his senses turn
to locating and bagging game. Each rustle of leaves,
each snapping twig or the slightest movement seen from
the corner of his eye may catch the full intensity of
his heightened awareness. Unless he holds himself in
check very deliberately he may shoot at the slightest
movement or sound. To be a good hunter he must have
complete control of himself.
Self-control
comes with practice. By handling his gun properly at
all times and waiting actually to see the game, he will
train himself to habitual control. These good habits,
once established, will take over naturally when he becomes
excited. Self-control is largely acquired. It should
be practiced at all times in the hunting field.
Accuracy
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The ability to shoot with reasonable accuracy is another
characteristic of the good hunter. Safety depends on
the ability to hit close enough to the target so everyone
in the neighborhood isn't in danger. Indiscriminate
shots in the general direction of the target are dangerous
and certainly mark the novice.The hunter's knowledge
of his own ability should tell him when a shot is impossible,
or the clean killing of game improbable.
Self-control
and accuracy go hand-in-hand. The desire for accuracy
makes for control and is impossible without it. Good
sportsmanship depends on the accuracy necessary to make
clean kills. No real sportsman wants to wound game and
have it die a lingering death miles away. Every hunter
should learn the vital spots in the game he hunts and
shoot for them-and be able to shoot accurately enough
to hit them.
Transporting
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Guns should be unloaded before being put in a vehicle.
It is even better to case them as well. Guns being put
into a boat should also be unloaded and the actions
opened as an additional precaution. Hunters stopping
for any purpose should unload and open their guns. Loaded
guns should never betaken into a cabin or dwelling.
Guns should be unloaded before trying to walk a log
or any time the footing is very bad. No safe hunter
ever runs with a loaded gun, nor does he ever use his
gun to flush or club game.
Guns
should not be leaned against automobiles, trees or other
insecure rests whether loaded or unloaded. Unintentional
discharge or damage to the gun may result from falling
to the ground.
The
gun should be unloaded before attempting to climb a
fence. After it is unloaded it should be placed on the
other side of the fence with the muzzle pointed away
from the point where the hunter will climb over.
Firearms Safety in
the Home [back
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Statistics compiled by the National Safety Council show
there are approximately 2,100 fatal firearms accidents
each year; 1150 in the home and 950 in the field.
Now
that you have taken the Safe Hunter Course, you should
never become involved in an accident involving firearms-if
you will put to practice the principles of safe gun
handling as taught by this booklet.
However,
many people who are not shooters, especially children
are exposed to firearms in the home. And, since almost
all accidents are caused by ignorance, carelessness
and lack of knowledge, it is now up to you to help those
who don't know.
In
storing a gun, it should be kept out of reach of children.
Above all, it should be unloaded and uncocked. If at
all possible, your gun and ammunition should be kept
locked in separate places; ammunition should be stored
out of sight.
Hunter
Ethics [back
to index]
What are hunter ethics? Before, defining this term,
let's first define the word, "ethics."
According
to Webster, the word "ethics" is defined as: "A set
of moral principles or values." Another Webster definition
is, "The principles of conduct governing an individual
or group."
Thus,
if we use the above definitions as a guideline, hunter
ethics could be simply defined as, "Those values that
determine hunter conduct."
One
of the major objectives of any hunter safety course
is to teach a novice hunter, or remind an experienced
hunter, the proper values so no one's conduct afield
will be an aggravation or insult to the landowner on
whose property they are hunting or to other hunters.
By adopting the proper set of values, your conduct afield
will be much more enjoyable and rewarding to everyone
concerned.
Such conduct will also prove to the non-hunting public
that all hunters are not slobs but are true sportsmen
in the finest sense of the word. Therefore,adopting
the right set of values will not only pay dividends
now, but will assist in the total effort to keep hunting
as a form of outdoor recreation for many years to come.
What
is the proper set of values? Perhaps John Madson and
Ed Kozicky said it best in their publication, "The Young
Hunter."
They
wrote: "If there is one word that might sum up the hunting
ethic, it is respect. Respect for your companions, the
land, the wildlife you hunt, and for yourself. This
respect almost borders on reverence and lacking it,
a boy can never hope to become more than half a hunter."
Respect
for Other Hunters [back
to index]
Companionship in the field is one of the greatest and
most rewarding things about a hunt. Hunting is for fun
and it can be just that if you choose your hunting partner
with care. But remember, you and your companions must
have a great deal of respect for each other and the
guns you are using. A mistake can be deadly.
Competition
has no place on the hunt. Quite often there will be
times when you're not sure who killed the game, particularly
when hunting pheasants or quail. It will be disappointing
not knowing for sure who scored, but only a game hog
will argue. No game is worth risking a friendship.
While
hunting, always remember there are other hunters in
the field besides you.
As
a general rule, you should limit your shots to birds
within 40 yards. One of the best ways to determine whether
or not a bird is within range is whether or not you
can see the color of its feathers clearly.
Be
a gentleman at all times and treat your partner and
other hunters as you would like to be treated. Show
respect and your hunting trip will long be treasured.
Hunters
with high principles of moral conduct deplore the slob
hunter who has no respect for the game he hunts or the
game laws that give the creatures a more sporting chance.
They have key low opinions of the so-called "meat" hunters
who kill more than their legal quotas and even bring
in their families to divvy up the over-the-limit bags
of game in an attempt to hide their wrong.
Another basic consideration toward the game you hunt
is this: go to any end to recover crippled game. Lost
game is a blot on the conscience of a hunter who has
developed a genuine set of ideals.
In
developing your hunter ethic, remember to respect your
game and the game laws. If you are going to shoot something
just for the heck of it, go to a target range. Don't
be a slob hunter.
Respect
for Yourself [back
to index]
As you go to the field to participate in the great sport
of hunting, you must never forget that you have a number
of responsibilities. As we have discussed, you have
a responsibility to the landowner, to other hunters,
and to the game you hunt. But you also have a responsibility
to yourself. As a hunter, you are representing all gun
owners and hunters in the United States. Your actions,
therefore, will reflect on others who follow after you,others
in future generations who will want to have the same
privilege of hunting as you have.
In
developing the proper hunting ethic, one personal moral
principle, which should never be sacrificed, involves
the use of intoxicating beverages and drugs. Alcohol
or drugs mixed with firearms are just as dangerous as
they are when they are mixed with automobiles. A near
accident can ruin your day. Remember the 10th commandment
of firearms safety-"Avoid alcoholic beverages before
and during shooting"-and practice that rule throughout
life.
In
discharging the responsibility to yourself,wear bright
clothing so you can be seen by other hunters and will
not be mistaken for game. The only exception will be
while hunting for waterfowl when camouflage clothing
should be worn.
Remember,
no hunter with self-respect mutilates the property of
another individual. He doesn't destroy property whether
it is public or private. But rather his conduct will
reflect a high personal ethic. |
