Tragic weekend sparks MSC firearms safety message

Tragic weekend sparks MSC firearms safety message

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging hunters to load their firearms only when ready to fire, to unload when they have no game to fire at, and to always point firearms in a safe direction, following the tragic deaths of two young men in separate incidents this past weekend.
In the first incident, early Sunday morning, 15 year old James Ross Bucko Johnston died after his firearm discharged while he was out duck hunting in the eastern Bay of Plenty. Later the same day, a 21 year old man was killed when his firearm discharged while he was crossing a fence on farmland near Ohakune.

MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety Programme Manager, Nicole McKee, says both tragedies were a heart-breaking reminder to hunters of the importance of keeping the seven basic rules of firearms safety front of mind at all times.

“Even the most experienced hunters can become complacent and, as these tragedies illustrate, a moment’s complacency can destroy lives.

“Load your firearm only when you’re ready to fire and always, always, point your firearm in a safe direction. It might sound simple but it’s often the simple things that trip people up. If there is a firearms incident, chances are that one or more of the seven basic rules have not been followed.”

The MSC delivers the firearms and hunter safety programme nationally, including the firearms safety courses and testing that all applicants are required to attend and pass prior to receiving a firearms licence, under contract with New Zealand Police. For more information about firearms safety, including the Firearms Safety Code, tips, advice and resources, visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

The Firearms Safety Code: Seven Basic Rules of Firearms Safety

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED
- Check every firearm yourself.
- Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2. ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. LOAD A FIREARM ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE
- Load the magazine only after you reach your shooting area.
- Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.
- Completely unload before leaving the shooting area.

4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT
- Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.
- Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise.

5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE
- THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?
- Do not fire if you know others are in your firing zone.

6. STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SAFELY
- When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.
- Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended.

7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS
- Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.

--ENDS--

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