16 March 2009

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council

Press Editorial

If you lose sight of your mate stop hunting until visual contact is regained and confirmed.

That is the message of Mr Mike Spray, Firearms and Hunter Training Programme Manager for NZ Mountain Safety Council, as the Roar approaches.

In two separate deer hunting incidents last year, a hunting companion deliberately separated during the hunt resulting in the mate being mistaken for a deer and tragically shot by his companion. In one of these incidents it resulted in the death of a young hunter and the other a serious injury where an arm had to be amputated.

Mr Spray says that research shows in two thirds of all deer hunting deaths since 1979 the deceased had been shot by another member of the same hunting party. In half of these cases the shooter new his mate was in the area and his presence was not unexpected.

Identifying the target beyond all doubt is one of the seven basic rules of safe firearms handling and should be second nature to all hunters. Hunters should sight the head, neck and shoulder of the animal all at the same time, or at least sufficient of the animal to confirm target identification.

“No shooter should fire at shape, colour, movement or sound”. Beware – under certain circumstances the brain can trick the eyes. Assume any shape, colour, movement or sound is a human until you can prove otherwise say’s Mr Spray.

Wearing hi visibility clothing that contrasts with the environment, including deer, can help you be seen by other hunters. Ultimately, though the responsibility of target identification lies in the hands of the shooter.

Mr Spray’s reminds all hunters to remember; stop hunting if you lose sight of your mate and to take extra care this roar. No meat is better than no mate

The Seven Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling

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 only the magazine 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 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