What should I do if I trip or fall when carrying a firearm?
Control the safe direction of your firearm at all times, stopping it from pointing at yourself or others or from striking the ground
Keep your fingers away from the trigger and trigger guard
If I have fallen while carrying a firearm, what should I do?
First unload and check that the barrel is not obstructed.
Check the condition of the barrel and muzzle for damage.
Do not use the firearm unless you are sure that it is undamaged and free from obstructions.
What should you be aware of when moving through thick vegetation with a firearm?
As you move through thick bush, be aware of twigs or branches that could jam inside the barrel, trigger or disengage the safety.
What are the ways to carry a firearm when hunting?
- Slung; this method is used when you have little or no expectation of seeing animals.
- Two handed across the body: provides good control of the firearm, or, Two handed across the body, with the muzzle pointing up
- When in a group, only the shooter in front should be in a position to fire a shot. Any hunter behind the lead will be in the slung position
Ways you can shoot in low light and things to know about them.
- Night Vision Devices (NVD) - limited on range making it harder to check firing zone and risk of having an issue making a positive target identifcation.
- Spotlights - the illuminate the target but not much of the area behind it to check the firing zone. You may also only see the eyes, you still must positively identify your target beyond all doubt
Dangers of shooting from a Maimai
- close proximity to other hunters
- poor muzzle control when game birds can appear from any direction.
- variable light conditions
- not following safe firearms handling skills/using incorrect states of readiness
Think of three good practices when transporting firearm
- Bolt is removed
- Chamber flag is inserted
- Lockable case is used to transport the firearm
What state should your firearm be when you are going out hunting and you have to cross a fence?
Unloaded
What state should your firearm be when you are going out hunting and you reach your hunting area
Load state; load the magazine only
What state should your firearm be when you are going out hunting and you see or likely to encounter game?
Action state, chamber a round
(this was from the police website, but I disagree with loading the rifle when you “think you might encounter game”, I’d rather see it and ID it, THEN load ready to shoot)
If you fall or trip while carrying a firearm in the field, what is your first responsibility?
Control the safe direction of your firearm and stop it striking the ground
What are the main limitations when using night vision/spotlight tools?
Being able to positively identify your target
Being able to check your firing zone
