Disappointing start to duck shooting season

Central District Police are disappointed with the start to duck shooting season with two reports of accidental shootings within hours of the season opening.

The first incident occurring in the Tararua area at 8:00am this morning when a 55yr old male was hit in the eye by a shotgun pellet.

The male was flown to hospital by helicopter.

The second incident occurred Waiongana, New Plymouth at about 9:20am, where a 10yr old boy received injury’s to his foot after a shotgun was accidently fired.

The boy has been transported to hospital for treatment.

“These incidents are a timely reminder for all hunters to refresh themselves with the seven basic rules of firearms safety and apply each part of them at all times," says Senior Sergeant Steve Crawford.  

“On occasions when hunters momentarily drop their guard, the consequences can be absolutely tragic. All hunters need to stay alert at all times when handling firearms and take extra care in the dark.”

Seven basic rules of firearms handling

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED - Check every firearm yourself. - Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.
2. ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION - Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE - THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?.
6. 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.
7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS - Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms

ENDS

Released by Senior Sergeant Steve Crawford, Central District Command Centre