Hunting accidents
are better called "hunting incidents." The word "accident"
implies something beyond one's immediate control. "Incident,"
however, connotes something that went wrong….but was preventable.
After reviewing
hunting incident data for more than 65 years,
the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can accurately report
that things do go wrong. In most cases, however, the incident could
have been prevented if the hunter in question had followed some basic
safety rules.
Hunting incidents
represent a good news/bad news story. The good news is that hunting
incidents continue to decline in the Evergreen State. The bad news is
that we still have a few incidents each and every year.
The following tips
are proven ways to promote safety and minimize hunting incidents. Learn
these tips, apply them each and every time you are in a hunting situation
and educate family members and friends about their value!
- Treat every firearm
with the respect due a loaded gun.
- Watch that muzzle!
- Be sure the barrel
and action are clear of obstructions.
- Carry only ammunition
matched to your firearm.
- Be sure of your
target before you pull the trigger. Know your backstop.
- Unload guns when
not in use.
- Never point at
anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Never climb a
fence or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
- Never shoot a
bullet at a flat, hard surface or water.
- Avoid alcoholic
beverages or drugs!
Most hunting incidents
are caused by carelessness. Pay attention to these tips whenever you
hunt.
Also, wear fluorescent
hunter orange while hunting. Even if it's not required by law, help
distinguish yourself from the background by wearing orange.
Finally, only hunt
with individuals that are as safe as you. Refuse to hunt with individuals
who won't follow these basic safety tips.
