Southland Police are urging caution as we approach the roar and duck shooting seasons and are asking hunters to ensure they focus on firearms safety over this period.
“We would like this to be an enjoyable experience for participants and not marred by tragedy which is always a risk if firearms safety is not adhered to. Of course alcohol and firearms do not mix and increase the risk of a tragedy happening,” says Acting Inspector Maggie Windle, Southland Area Prevention manager.
The public are reminded to use commonsense while involved in hunting activities and not to let their guard down after the beginning of the seasons, especially in terms of firearms security and driving responsibilities.
"It is essential to keep firearms and alcohol completely separate. Under the Arms Act there are several potential charges that could be faced by hunters. There is also the risk that the licence holder could have their firearms licence revoked," Acting Inspector Windle says.
"The key messages are to always point firearms in a safe direction, not to put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to fire the gun, never rely solely on the safety catch, and be sure to identify your target before firing.”
It is also important that unlicensed people involved in hunting activities must be appropriately supervised. New shooters who did not hold a current firearms licence must be under the immediate supervision of a licensed holder. This means that the licensed supervisor must be able to control muzzle direction should this become necessary.
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said that the firearms safety code is the key to making sure that all hunters make it home this Easter. “More often than not with a firearms incident you can trace it back to one of the seven rules in the firearms safety code not being followed”
Along with identifying the target correctly, safe handling of firearms remains a significant contributing factor in almost all recorded incidents. “A great number of firearms incidents could have been avoided by simply treating every firearm as loaded.”
The Seven Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling
- TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED
Check every firearm yourself.
Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.
- ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION
Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- LOAD A FIREARM ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE
Load only the magazine after you reach your shooting area.
Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.
Completely unload before leaving the shooting area.
- IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT
Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.
Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise
- CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE
THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?
Do not fire when you know others are in your firing zone
- STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SAFELY
When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.
Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended
- AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS
Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.
ENDS