Whether you are an old hand at hunting or this is your first season in the woods, you should be as proud of your safety knowledge as you are of the 12-point buck hanging on your wall. 

Safety in hunting can be put in perfect perspective if you always remember that you are the hunter with the deadly force weapon.  The gun you carry into the field exists solely to kill game – big game. 

Basic hunting safety rules should fall into the mental realm of knowing not to stick your finger in a flame.  Common sense should be the guiding force at all times. 

Firearm safety rules are easy: 

• Every time you pick up a firearm – check to see if it is loaded.
• Always point your firearm in a safe direction – this will be the ground directly in front of you.  Do not rest the muzzle on your toe or foot.
• Do not put your finger in the trigger guard until you are ready to fire and keep the safety on until you are ready to fire.
• Unload your firearm when it not being used.  Store and transport your firearm and ammo separately.
• Use a 2-handed carry to control your muzzle position.
• Do not ride in a vehicle or on an ATV with a loaded firearm.
• Know your safe zone-of-fire – if in doubt, do not take the shot.
• Properly identify your target – use binoculars.  Never guess about a target.
• Know your gun – and its range (a .22 rimfire can travel over two ½ miles).
• Never climb a fence, tree, or ladder with a loaded firearm.  Never cross rough terrain (jumping creeks/ditches, etc.) with a loaded firearm.
• If your gun is dropped, or you fall, stop and disassemble your gun to check the barrel for obstructions from the breech end.  Do not look down the barrel from the muzzle end.

General hunting safety rules cover anything and everything that can happen in the woods while hunting, but basics include: 

• Wear hunter orange – always – no excuses.
• Control your emotions.  Learn restraint when you make a successful shot.  Give yourself enough time to remember and apply firearm safety rules before leaving your hunting spot to check your kill.
• Stop hunting when legal daylight ends.
• Check your gear for unwanted “extras” - like rattle snakes.
• Carry a flashlight, compass, and map.  Pack a first aid kit.
• Check weather conditions – dress accordingly.

Finally, one rule that, if not followed, can blow all the other rules away: 

• DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL or TAKE DRUGS THAT INHIBIT YOUR MOTOR SKILLS OR DECISION-MAKING ABILITIES WHILE USING A FIREARM.

Observing hunting safety ensures that you and your fellow hunters will continue to enjoy the hunting life for years to come.