Hunt S.A.F.E.
Hunting is a rich tradition, often passed down from family members to the next generation. The most important part of this experience is ensuring proper precautions and responsible use of firearms are used to help make every hunting trip safe, fun and memorable.
Project ChildSafe wants to promote S.A.F.E. hunting and remind outdoors enthusiasts to:
Store your firearms responsibly when not in use;
Always practice firearms safety;
Focus on your responsibilities as a firearms owner; and
Education is key to preventing accidents.
Hunt S.A.F.E. Tip #1
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Hunt S.A.F.E. Tip #7
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HUNTING IS PART OF OUR NATURE. OUR PREHISTORIC ANCESTORS WERE HUNTERS AND WE CONTINUE TO HUNT TODAY.
The difference is we’re not cavemen anymore. Being a hunter today means being safe and smart with guns and other modern tools. Your first hunt will be the one you remember most, so follow these tips to help you be a smart and safe future hunter!
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
Being a S.A.F.E. Hunter
BEING A S.A.F.E HUNTER MEANS:
Staying away from guns if an adult isn’t around
Always acting like a gun is loaded
Fingers off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
Educating yourself by taking a Hunter Safety class
It’s important to practice your shooting skills before going out to the field. Some kids practice with an air rifle to get comfortable on how to safely use it before practicing with a regular rifle.
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
Practice Being a S.A.F.E. Hunter
IT’S IMPORTANT TO PRACTICE YOUR SHOOTING SKILLS — ALWAYS WITH AN ADULT PRESENT — BEFORE GOING ON ANY HUNT.
Ask an adult to teach you how to properly hold, carry and use a gun while hunting, and ask them to take you to a gun range so you can practice.
Guns used in hunting can be heavy and loud, so you might want to practice with an air rifle before using a regular rifle—it’s a great way to learn good habits. Don’t forget to wear eye and ear protection every time you practice.
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
Before a Hunt S.A.F.E. Trip
MAKE SURE YOU BRING IMPORTANT SAFETY GEAR, INCLUDING A FIRST-AID KIT, EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT, WATER, EYE AND EAR PROTECTION, PHONE, COMPASS, MAP AND TWO-WAY RADIO.
Also, make sure an adult checks the weather and everyone has the right clothing in case of rain or cold.
It’s also very important to make sure someone else knows where you’ll be hunting, how long you’ll be gone, and when you’ll be back.
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
Hunt S.A.F.E. Style
DID YOU KNOW THAT ORANGE IS THE SAFEST COLOR FOR HUNTING?
A blaze orange vest and hat make it easier for other hunters to see you (without scaring away wildlife).
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
Stay S.A.F.E. On a Hunting Adventure
When walking in the field or getting in and out of a car, it’s okay to ask an adult to handle the firearm. Hunting may mean climbing things and crossing streams or fences – these things must be done with an extra eye on gun safety.
- Guns should be unloaded while in the car
- Never pass or take a gun by the barrel
- Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
- It’s best to unload guns completely before crossing a fence or stream
- Keep your finger off the trigger until it’s time to shoot.
- When climbing into a tree or stand, use a rope to pull an unloaded gun up to you, and use a safety harness while hunting
Always know what’s beyond your target before you shoot, and make sure to be on the lookout for other hunters.
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
S.A.F.E. Hunting Means Respecting Wildlife and the Outdoors
Taking a hunter safety course is one of the best ways to learn the rules and regulations about hunting in your area, as well as finding out what kind of licenses and tags you need. These rules and the money we pay for licenses and tags help protect wildlife and ensure we can continue hunting in the future.
While it means food for family and friends, taking the life of an animal as a hunter is something to give serious thought to. We owe it to the animal to practice our shooting skills and use good judgment on when to pull the trigger, so if we do shoot it’s a clean and humane kill.
Finally, few things can spoil a hunting trip like finding garbage in the outdoors. Some good rules of thumb are “pack it in / pack it out” and “leave no trace.” This helps keep the outdoors beautiful, and something everyone can enjoy.
FUTURE HUNTERS SAFE PLEDGE
Hunting S.A.F.E. is a Lifelong Promise
BEING SAFE AND SMART IS EVERY HUNTER’S RESPONSIBILITY, NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE.
For kids that means practicing the rules of safety, and for grownups that means passing on these lessons, as well as setting an example.
We urge adults to share the Hunt S.A.F.E. message to increase hunter safety and help everyone be safer gun owners. For kids, we urge you to promise to be a responsible hunter by taking the Project ChildSafe Future Hunters S.A.F.E. Pledge with your parents.
With that, we hope you, your family and friends will safely enjoy hunting for many years and get to share many, many stories about exploring the outdoors together.
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ARE YOU A SAFE HUNTER?
How sharp is your hunting safety knowledge? Take the safety quiz and see how your score compares to your friends.
As an ethical hunter, it’s important to respect the game being hunted. What are some important steps you can take?
Correct!
Wrong!
Understanding wildlife behavior is crucial to hunting success and adds significantly to respecting the hunt even when no game is taken. Keep a copy of the Hunter’s Pocket Fact Card.
What is the number one cause of hunting injuries?
Correct!
Wrong!
The number one cause of hunting injuries is carelessness. That’s why it’s important that you become familiar with and educate others about the rules of firearm safety and safe, ethical hunting.
What color should be avoided when turkey hunting?
Correct!
Wrong!
Though every hunter knows they should be certain of their target before pulling the trigger, it is possible for a person to be mistaken for a game animal by an overanxious and unsafe hunter. Hunters can help protect themselves by not wearing colors that resemble colors of the game they are hunting (blue, white, red and black for wild turkeys; tan and white for deer).
What is the percentage of hunting-related injuries per 100 participants?
Correct!
Wrong!
Hunting with firearms is one of the safest activities, right after camping and billiards/pool. In fact, a person is 34 times more likely to be injured playing soccer or skateboarding than hunting. For more information, take a look at NSSF’s data on hunting participation and injury.
Which of these items can be used to ensure a firearm is safely stored and secured upon returning from a hunting trip?
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Wrong!
Firearms owners have multiple options to safely store their firearms when not in use, depending on the number of firearms to be secured as well as personal preferences. Check out our infographic to learn more about the different options.
A majority of hunters wear hunter orange on their cap or vest. Why is this color used?
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Wrong!
Wearing hunter orange, which is often available in patterns to help break up your outline, is a safe and simple way to signal your presence to other hunters and prevent being accidentally shot.
What are some simple ways to prevent firearm accidents during the hunt?
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Wrong!
As a responsible hunter, always make sure you and your companions are following safety precautions during a hunting trip. Refer to our tips and guidelines on safe handling and safe storage.
Today, many hunters use tree stands as a preferred hunting spot. What are some advantages of hunting on tree stands?
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Tree stands provide several advantages to hunters, including camouflage, an elevated position and an improved view. As always, make sure to follow safety precautions when hunting on a tree stand, and when climbing to or descending from one.
Which of these items is not part of what hunters should bring along for a safe hunting trip?
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Wrong!
Using nails to secure tree stands is illegal in certain states and protected areas. As a hunter, you have a responsibility to protect the habitat – get your copy of the Hunter’s Pocket Fact Card for more information on wildlife conservation. Other items, including orange clothing, rope, safety belts and emergency survival kits, are important in ensuring your hunt creates great memories instead of horrible tragedies.
What is the #1 way to prevent accidents, theft and misuse of your firearms during hunting season?
Correct!
Wrong!
When hunting with firearms, you have a responsibility to safely handle, store and secure your firearms. Make sure you’re familiar with our firearm safety tips.
Are You a Safe Hunter?
Help support and share genuine firearm safety.
Encourage your friends and loved ones to take this quiz and tell us how you scored on social media: @ProjChildSafe on Instagram and Twitter and @ProjectChildSafe on Facebook.
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