ENVIROMENTAL CONSULTANCY DESIGN SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
CO LTD.
Ph 686 1365, Fax 656-3179, e-mail [email protected]
Ecdss Co LtdPresents
Gun safety methods & management in Hunting
Environments
OBJECTIVES
To present information to encourage the safe use and handling of shot guns and ammunition
At the end of this presentation participants will be able to identify :-
Different types of hunting firearms
Different types of ammunition and there shot ranges
Proper techniques used in handling guns and
ammunition.
Safety precautions while hunting with guns and
ammunition.
Proper storage methods of storing guns and
ammunition
What is Gun Safety?
The use of guns in such a manner so as to ensure the safety of the operator, the bystander and and other “non target”
Different types of guns
Hand Guns Rifles Shot Guns
12 steps
in Gun Safety for Hunters
Step oneLearn how your firearm operates
Know how to correctly operate YOUR WEAPON. Not all guns are mechanically the same so never assume that what applies to one model is exactly applicable to another .
Familiarize yourself with the basic components of your weapon such as the safety.
Practice how to correctly load, unload, and clear malfunctions from your gun.
Step twoKeep your gun pointed away from others at all times
Treat every gun as if it were loaded, never assume that it is not!
Only point a gun at an object you intend to shoot.
Always be aware of where a gun is pointing. A “safe direction”, is one where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage
Hand your gun to someone only after you verify that its unloaded and cylinder or action is open.
Take a gun from someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.
Step three Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm
Do not experiment with ammunition that is not made for your firearm, this can promote misfiring of the firearm leading to serious injuries.
Step four Keep your finger off the trigger and until you are
ready to fire at the target
Keep the finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Sudden loud noises or movements can result in accidental firing of the gun because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled.
Also if the gun handler were to stumble and fall while his finger is in the trigger guard this can lead to accidental firing.
Step fiveKnow your target, its surroundings and beyond
Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot.
Never fire at a target that is only movement, colour, sound or unidentifiable shape.
Make sure there is nothing that could be harmed close to your target, such as people in the event that you miss your target.
Never climb a tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
Step six Protect your eyes and ears
Wear ear plugs during times of shooting to prevent damage to your hearing.
Keep a pair of shooting goggles or glasses on during times of shooting to prevent debris and hot gases that is often emitted, from flying into your eyes.
Step seven Avoid drowsy medications before or during
use of a firearm
Taking drowsy medications while hunting can impair your ability to judge targets correctly
Step 8 Refrain from drinking alcoholic Beverages
while hunting with firearms
Alcoholic drinks can impair your judgment and affect your ability to shoot firearms accurately
Do not shoot at water, or hard surfaces
The bullet can ricochet and hit someone or something other than the target
Do not shoot where there is insufficient backdrop
Step 9Treat all guns as if is loaded
Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot
Step tenDo not allow a person to handle a gun if he/she is not educated in gun safety and
experienced in handling firearms
This can lead to the gun being misused which may lead to serious injuries.
Monitor younger hunters carefully when handling firearms to promote good gun safety during the hunt and in future gun related situations.
Step Eleven monitor young hunters teach them to hunt
safely
Teach them firearm safety
Teach them to hunt responsibly
Step twelveStore your gun and ammunition safely and
securely if hunting in vehicles
Store guns in a safe position while being transported in vehicles
never leave a gun pointing upwards in the floorboard of a vehicle.
Never travel with a loaded shotgun
Other gun safety tips that should be
considered
Never shoot a gun in celebrations eg. New Years Eve, it is unsafe and illegal.
Never handle a gun when you are in an emotional state such as anger or depression, your judgment may be impaired.
When not in use guns and ammunition should be stored separately
Guns should be fitted with trigger locks or cable locks so it cannot be fired. Store the gun in a approved lock box or a gun safe.
Methods of Childproofing your
firearm
Always store your firearm unloaded.
Use a firearms safety device and store the firearm in a locked container.
Store the ammunition separately in a locked container.
Do not store your firearm where it is visible.
Do not store your firearm in a bedside table, under your mattress or pillow, or in a closet shelf.
Do not store your firearm among your valuables(such as jewelry or cameras) unless it is locked in a secure container.
AMMUNITION
Shot gun ammunition
Shot gun ammunition is referred to as shotshells or shells.
The length of a shotshell is normally given in inches and is based on the length of the spent hull. Common lengths for 12 gauge are 2 ¾, 3 and 3 ½ inch .
You must know the correct length of the shotshell, guage, and shot size when selecting shotgun ammunition.
Components of a shotshells/shells
12 gauge shotshells/shells unfired and fired
Shotshell and range
Choose the right shotshell for the animals you are hunting.
Shells comes in various sizes No. 9 being very small and the No. 000 being
very large.
Where and how to shoot
Firearms generate risk to other forest users
Forest worker Forest visitor Fisherman Oil workers in forest
Environments Other forest usersSafe use of a firearm depends on the
owner
Oil and Gas Industry
People in the forest who are not hunters can
be injuredAccess roads must be treated as
alwaysoccupied by peopleEquipment can be damaged ,
compromisedand result in explosionsSparks from firearm discharge can
result in explosions
Be Responsible
Act Responsibly Firearms must not be discharged within ?---
Range from an installation or roadway Avoid hunting near installation – you always
temporary lose your way Dogs can take you to an installation Your approach must always be to hunt safely Your Safety , Safety of others, safety to the
environment
