Duck Hunting Season Safety tips

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

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