RALEIGH - The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Home From The Hunt™ safety campaign wants hunters to always think twice and positively identify their target and what is beyond it before pulling the trigger.
"Don't let anticipation or excitement cloud your judgment," said Kevin Crabtree, the state's southern coastal district hunter education coordinator. "Make sure there are no houses, vehicles or anyone beyond your target so the bullet, arrow or shot has a safe path to follow."
The four basic rules of firearms safety:
Always point a firearm in a safe direction.
Treat every firearm as if it were loaded and never assume a firearm is unloaded.
Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target.
Hunters should use binoculars to first identify a target, Crabtree advised, and then sight through a scope only when ready to fire. This ensures the muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction.
All first-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course, offered free across the state. Go to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031 for more information.
