Wednesday, 2 May 2018 - 12:35pm |
National News

Duck hunters - don’t be daffy this opening weekend

2 min read

Don’t wing it this weekend when duck shooting season kicks off - refresh yourself on the seven basic firearms safety rules so everything goes swimmingly.

“We want everyone to have a safe and successful game bird shooting season, and to ensure that happens, we need hunters to be vigilant when hunting in such close proximity to each other to avoid serious injuries or worse,” says Acting Superintendent Mike McIlraith.

“I can’t emphasise enough the importance of handling firearms safely.

“It is critical hunters treat every firearm as loaded, always point firearms in a safe direction and to check your firing zone.”

NZ Police will be out with Fish & Game rangers again this year. The joint approach is aimed at educating hunters, promoting hunting safety and compliance with Fish & Game hunting regulations, and firearms laws.

They’ll be checking hunters are properly licensed, conducting themselves responsibly, and offering advice on how to stay safe

“Anyone who is planning to use a firearm is required to have a valid firearms licence and comply with the New Zealand Arms Code,” says Acting Superintendent McIlraith.

“Going hunting with your mates can be good fun and having a drink with your mates can be fun too - but these two activities should never be mixed. Operating a firearm safely requires vigilance and good judgement, so skip the alcohol until the firearms are locked away safely,” says Acting Superintendent McIlraith.

“It’s important to us that you keep yourself and others safe this duck shooting season.”

Hunting safety information can be found in the Mountain Safety Council website, and hunters at all levels of experience are encouraged to check out this material.

Seven Basic Firearms Safety Rules:

·        Treat every firearm as loaded
·        Always point firearms in a safe direction
·        Load a firearm only when ready to fire
·        Identify your target beyond all doubt
·        Check your firing zone
·        Store firearms and ammunition safely
·        Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre