Safety never goes out of season – be safe and be smart while hunting

Heartbreaking headlines from across the country are highlighting a rash of injuries and premature deaths because of unintended incidents involving firearms this fall hunting season.

One death in Ontario, one in Alberta, one in Saskatchewan and one in British Columbia, along with one non-fatal incident in British Columbia, are drawing attention to the vital need for training and safe practices while hunting.
October 17th, 2012, B.C. (non-fatal) – Hunter shot after another man mistakes him for wildlife
October 10th, 2012, B.C. – Lake Country hunter was killed in an accident
October 6th, 2012, Sask. – Son shot by father dies in hunting accident, RCMP say
October 6th, 2012, Alta. – Young woman shot dead while hunting near Grande Prairie
October 1st, 2012, Ont. – Ottawa hunter dies after accidental shooting
Terry Pratt, an instructor with the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, says “this has been an exceptional year for the accidental discharge of a firearm, especially while hunting.”
While it is impossible to identify a single reason for the spike in firearm-related hunting deaths, Pratt says common-sense safety needs to always be top-of-mind for anyone handling a gun.
“Once you’ve got a firearm in your hands, you have to be aware of your situation at all times,” says Pratt.
Each province and territory has different hunting regulations. However, there are safety measures that need to be respected and good judgment that needs to be exercised whenever a firearm is used for hunting.
• Take a Canadian Firearms Safety Course. Refresher courses for experienced hunters are recommended.
• Wear blaze orange so you are easily visible.
• When travelling to and from a hunting area, keep your firearm unloaded and locked.
• Do not hunt in populated areas. This includes rural communities, even where the population is relatively low.
• Do not hunt in an area where several hunters are already present.
• Do not hunt when visibility is impaired by conditions such as heavy fog or a lack of daylight.
• Never hunt while impaired, whether by a lack of sleep or substances such as alcohol or medication.
• Rely on sight, not sound. Do not pull the trigger until you are absolutely certain that your target is indeed wildlife, and not a person.
• Never let your attention lapse. Focus on the task at hand and exercise extreme caution at all times while handing a firearm.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Obtain permission before hunting on private property. Conflicts involving trespassing can quickly escalate and result in negative outcomes.
• Be familiar with the hunting regulations in your area. For more information, contact the Chief Firearms Officer in your province or territory.
British Columbia: 1 800 731-4000 (ext. 9530)
NWT: 1 800 731-4000 (ext. 9026)
Yukon: 1 800 731-4000 (ext. 9530)

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