Let’s be honest. How many moments do you spare for thinking about the safety aspect before going for any exciting trip? And yes, you might roll your eyes at the thought of reading the matter that seems obvious to you, but let’s challenge you about how much you really know about hunting safety. Read along and if you honestly take care of everything regarding hunting safety which is mentioned in this article, the joke will be on us!
Even if you took a hunting safety class before in order to get the hunting licence , it’s unlikely that you will be able to recall every important tip. One important safety tip to keep in mind is to never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. Additionally, it is essential to understand the Types of hunting scopes available and the proper handling of a firearm. Knowing the proper techniques for using a hunting scope can help ensure a safe and successful hunt.
Hunting can be an enjoyable experience which brings people closer to nature and helps us appreciate all that it brings to our planet. But with this activity come the dangers that firearms and the wild can pose. In order to sidestep these dangers effectively,let’s go through some important safety tips which will help in negotiating the dangers which can be encountered on a hunting trip.
1 – Equipment check : Your equipment is your lifeline on the trip. Make sure that you have packed every important thing you need on the trip and check if it is working properly beforehand. You do not want any bad surprises out there in the wild, do you? Prudence is the only way and testing your stuff beforehand is essential. This is especially important if you have bought some new equipment. Hunting knife is an essential piece of equipment that should never be forgotten on a hunting trip. Best quality Hunting knives in the UK can be easily bought from Perkin Knives who provide an excellent range of customised knives of standard quality.
2- Never showboat : Never show off your skills with your gun. Carelessness with firearms has often been fatal and a cause of tragedies and grievous injury. You can never play oversafe when dealing with used guns. One should always assume that they are loaded and ready to fire. The gun should be strapped pointing upwards when the hunter is on the move.
Also, avoid playing the daredevil around wild animals and when standing on heights.
3- Check your feet : A fall is a common cause of severe injury while on a hunting trip. It can happen when a hunter is positioned on a tree or a high cliff looking to get a proper sighting of the animals. Always be alert and try not to get surprised by other animals.
4- Avoid Alcohol : If you have watched the popular TV show Game of Thrones, you know how King Robert died in the first season, right? Alcohol and hunting simply don’t go together. One has to be alert and cautious at all times in a hunting trip as you deal with tough terrain and wild animals. Alcohol dumbs down your senses and makes you susceptible to danger.
5 – Know your target and beyond : When using a gun and pointing at an animal, a good hunter should know his main target as well as its surroundings. He should be aware that in case he misses the shot, what are the dangers it could pose to other living things. Total awareness is necessary. Shooting at just a sound or movement is a bad idea. Never shoot until the target is clear.
6- Protective Gear : A hunter should be properly dressed in hunter orange so that he can be easily viewed by fellow hunters. Glasses and ear-gear to protect your eyes and ears is recommended to protect you from gun residue and high decibel sound.
7- Hunting Partner and Trip Information: It is recommended to not go hunting alone. Always try to go in a group of adults or atleast with a partner.Try to take very few children with you. Inform your family of your hunting area and plan before leaving for the trip and use a radio set to communicate in the wild.
8- First Aid Kit : Do not forget to take along a first aid kit and other important medicines you might be taking. Also, try to inform yourself about signs of a dangerous medical emergency like a heart attack and ways to tackle it.