6 May 2016
Duck Hunting Season Safety tips
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) in collaboration with the Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) wish all duck
hunters a safe and successful shoot this season.
Duck hunting is a great opportunity to get the kids outdoors to teach safe firearms handling and behaviour around
shotguns.
“This is an excellent environment to teach our children multiple safe practices around firearms, including wearing warm
clothing and correct protective gear such as earmuffs,” says Wendy McGowan, RWNZ President. “Shotguns fire at a decibel
rating of 170dB which causes instant hearing loss to all those standing close by. Earmuffs or earplugs may eliminate
permanent damage.”
What we teach our children now, will set them up for a lifetime of enjoyment in this sport, if they can keep themselves
and others safe."
According to Fish & Game NZ, there are more birds in some regions this year, and an extension to the season and increased bag limits in
some areas. RWNZ and COLFO remind all firearms users to take heed of the seven basic principles of firearms safety this
season. “Bring everyone home safely with a full bag of ducks."
THE FIREARMS SAFETY CODE:
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 use
Load the magazine only when 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 when you know others are in your firing zone.
6. Store firearms and ammunition safety
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