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Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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MAKE SURE YOUNG DEER HUNTERS KNOW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
December 1, 1997
University Park, PA -- If you're taking a youngster out deer hunting for the first time this December, make sure he or she understands some important safety rules, says Earle Robbins, extension agent in Tioga County. Robbins is a Pennsylvania Game Commission volunteer, a hunting/trapping education instructor and state 4-H shooting sports coordinator for Penn State Cooperative Extension.
"Young people handling firearms need to develop some important habits," says Robbins. "We can instill these habits by instructing them -- and more important, by setting an example. New hunters, as well as individuals who have held a hunting license in another state or country are required to complete a hunter-trapper education program. These individuals also need role models who practice safe hunting skills."
Robbins offers these hunting safety tips:
- Make sure firearms are in good working order, and barrels and chambers
are free of obstructions. Guns must be sighted in properly and have the
proper sized ammunition.
- Familiarize yourself with the hunting site, so that you will know
what's beyond your target. "Walk through the hunting grounds before deer
season starts," Robbins says. "When you know the area, you can keep
livestock and buildings out of the line of fire."
- Make sure every member of the group wears a combined minimum of 250
square inches of hunter orange on the head, chest and back.
- Assume every firearm is loaded. "When you pick up a gun, the first
thing you should do is check it for ammunition," Robbins says. "When you
pass a firearm to someone else, leave the action open so there is no chance
of it firing."
- Unload guns and leave the actions open when you are transporting them
to and from the hunting area.
- Always keep track of where your gun is pointed, and keep your finger
off the trigger until it's time to fire at your target. Never aim your gun
at anything you do not plan to shoot.
- Know the location of all of the members of your hunting group. "Before
separating, discuss where each hunter will be standing on watch and who
will be walking through the woods," Robbins says.
- Don't shoot until you're absolutely sure of your target. Shooting at
a sound or an undefined shape is inviting tragedy. "During deer season,
this also means determining whether the deer is a buck or a doe," Robbins
says.
- Unload your gun before climbing trees, scaling fences and logs, or
jumping over ditches.
- If you have shot a deer and are preparing to dress it out, don't
forget to unload your gun.
- Never engage in horseplay using a gun.
Youngsters can learn more about hunter safety and shooting sports in programs available at schools and through 4-H. About 100,000 youth in 33 states are enrolled in 4-H archery, air pistol, air rifle, .22 rifle, black powder rifle and shotgun sports. In Pennsylvania, about 1,925 boys and 645 girls participate in 4-H shooting activities. "Along with safe hunting, youngsters learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline," Robbins says.
To learn more about 4-H shooting sports programs, contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county. 4-H is open to all youths between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.
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EDITORS: For more information, contact Earle Robbins at (717) 724-9120.
Contacts:
John Wall
John_Wall@agcs.cas.psu.edu
814-863-2719
814-865-1068 fax