Hunter's need to do more than Identify their Target
The Firearms Safety Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
(FSCANZ) are disappointed that a hunter has been shot during
the 2018 roar period in the Kaimanawa ranges.
When hunting with companions deer hunters need to take special care, said Joe Green, chair of the FSCANZ.
Details released by Police indicate that those involved in this recent incident were hunting companions. Mr Joe Green, Chair of the FSCANZ reminds hunters that special care is required when hunting with others and that safe practice goes beyond the usual advice to identify your target.
In approximately 50% of cases where one hunter shoots another they are hunting companions who have separated or lost sight of each other. Too often does one hunter then sight the other but mistakes him for a deer.
Mr Green advises that “It is critical if deer hunting companions separate or lose sight of each other that they cease hunting until they have linked up again”.
Mr Green is a retired Police Inspector who was in charge of Arms Control at Police National Headquarters. He carried out research into deaths of hunters. “It is heart wrenching when we read the common theme of two people hunting together, losing sight of each other, then one mistaking the other for a deer and shooting their mate”.
This goes beyond 'identify your target'. It's also about shooting only in a safe direction, and if you don't know where your mate is, no direction is safe!
The Firearms Safety Council of Aotearoa New Zealand asks all hunters to revisit the 7 basic rules of firearms safety before they head out on their hunt. “It won’t take long to refamilarise yourselves and could save many families a lifetime of heartache”.
Seven 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 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?
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