Shooting and Archery

Shooting Safety

• Wear hearing and eye protection

  While shooting at the range, you must wear hearing and eye protection at all times. 

• Always Keep Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction

  Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Continually check the area for other users.

   

  A safe direction means a direction in which a bullet cannot possibly strike anyone, taking into account possible ricochets and the fact that bullets can penetrate walls and ceilings. The safe direction may be “up” on some occasions or “down” on others, but never at anything not intended as a target. Even when “dry firing” with an unloaded gun, you should never point the gun at an unsafe target.

   

  Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing at all times, and be sure that you are in control of the direction the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. This is your responsibility, and only you can control it.

• Treat All Guns as Though They are Loaded

  Never assume a gun is unloaded — always check for yourself! Treating every firearm as if it is loaded creates a safer environment for all. Firearms should be loaded only when you are ready to shoot. Whenever you handle a firearm, or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately, and visually check the chamber, receiver and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition.

• Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger until You are Ready to Shoot

  Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading.

• Know Your Target and What’s Beyond

  Your safe zone-of-fire is that area or direction in which you can safely fire a shot. It is "down range" at a shooting facility. Be sure you know where your companions are at all times. Never swing your gun or bow out of your safe zone-of-fire. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike. Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond your target.

   

  NOTE: Be aware that even a .22 short bullet can travel over 1 1/4 miles and a high velocity cartridge, such as a .30-06, can send its bullet more than three miles. Shotgun pellets can travel 500 yards, and shotgun slugs have a range of over half a mile.

   

  You should keep in mind how far a bullet will travel if it misses your intended target or ricochets in another direction.

• Unload Firearms When Not in Use

  Leave actions open, and store sporting arms in cases when traveling to and from shooting areas. Take bolts out or break down shotguns if necessary. Know how your equipment operates. Store and transport firearms and ammunition separately and under lock and key. Store firearms and bows in cool, dry places. Use gun or trigger locks and guards when not in use.

• Don't Drink Alcohol or Take Drugs

  Alcohol and drugs impair normal physical and mental body functions and mustn't be used before or while handling firearms.