Firearms Safety Council Reminds Hunters to Take Care

Firearms Safety Council Reminds Hunters to Take Care

‘The death of a hunter in the Kaimai Forest is a tragedy and sadly a timely reminder to all hunters that they need to take special care when hunting’, says Joe Green, Chair of the Firearms Safety Council.

‘While all of the seven basic rules of firearms safety in the Arms Code apply, there are two of those rules that especially apply at this time’ says Joe as he reminds hunter to -
Always ensure your firearm is pointed in a safe direction. This includes when hunting with a companion and if you lose sight of your companion. You both need to stop hunting until you have re-established contact.

‘No direction is a safe direction simply because you don’t know where your mate is’, Joe said.

‘Even if you think you see a deer, it could be your mate’.

While not going into details about this weekend’s tragedy, In the past incidents have often been attributed solely to failing to identify your target beyond all doubt. In about 50% of cases the hunter shoots a mate they are actually hunting with. They’ve become separated and lost track of each other.

It also remains important to identify your target beyond all doubt. Never shoot at shape, colour, movement or sound. Any of these could be a person.

ENDS

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