1) 100% safe, 100% of the time
2) Eye protection mandatory, ear protection recommended
3) Guns loaded in the field, unloaded out of the field.
No loaded guns in transport or at the lodge
Semis-bolt open or shell inserted to show that it is open
Over/under-broken open
4) Hunter blaze orange-no exceptions. Vest and head protection is a must.
5) Know where the other hunters in your party are at all time
6) Do not shoot at low birds – if it’s low, let it go and if you don’t know, let it go.
7) Do not shoot running birds. No ground shots.
8) Watch your barrel! Do not sweep a loaded/unloaded gun by anyone.
9) Carry your loaded gun in the field with the barrel pointing up (not down, backwards or sideways aiming at your partner)
10) Listen and obey to your guide, they are there not only for your fun, but for the protection of everyone, including the dogs.
11) Be open to criticism, if someone tells you to watch your barrel or shot, it’s a nice way of saying you are not doing something as safe as you think. Don’t get defensive, get responsive. It’s everyone’s job to be safe.
12) Guns and alcohol do not mix, once you have had an alcoholic beverage, your shooting for that day is over (even for skeet/trap.)
13) Watch for special cases, if it’s cold, gloves/heavy clothes can get caught in triggers and cause you to fire your gun when not anticipating. Be extra vigilant!
14) Hunting is fun, but shooting is more fun, but, if you have shot a lot of birds in your party, hang back, let others take shots and enjoy the glory. It’s about the group, and not just you.