Focus on safety when it comes to hunting

Last week I was talking to some of the local guys at Co-Op and the subject of this year’s hunting plans for the group came up.

Each gentleman explained his technique for getting that fast but accurate round (shot) off at an elk that just popped up. Some of them said they keep a round chambered with their safety on, some said they chamber the round (bullet); however, keep the barrel pointed towards the floor of the vehicle. I told everyone that I never chamber a round unless I’m going to fire it and that may take a second longer; however, it was a lot safer for all concerned. Most of them agreed with me but I don’t think they will practice the technique. It for that reason I thought it best to review some weapon safety tips in this week’s article. Below are some weapon (gun) safety tips provided by the National Rifle Association. For more information on the subject check them out at www.nrahq.org/education.

• Always keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire the weapon.
• Always keep the weapon unloaded until you are ready to fire it.
• Know your target and what’s behind it.
• Know how to use the weapon safely.
• Be sure the weapon is safe to use. Check it out thoroughly before you fire it.
• Use the correct ammunition that is designed for the weapon. Hot loads may present a problem.
• Always wear ear and eye protection.
• Never use alcohol or drugs when hunting. Both items impair your mental ability to make good judgment calls.
• Always store your weapons away so children cannot get access to them. There are many different types of storage devices on the market, please use one.
• Make sure your weapon is cleaned properly before storage and then re-checked before firing it.
• Never assume the weapon is unloaded. Always check and then re-check before cleaning or handing it to some else.

For all of those hunters out there, I sincerely hope you bag your limit this year; however, please do it safely. Take care and good hunting!

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.