lives and landscapes banner

Hunting and Firearm Safety

2021 Fall
by Colleen Pegar,
who is the MSU Extension Agent in Hill County

Two people practicing shooting with a visible target and ear protection.

The days are becoming shorter, the mornings are more brisk, and the antelope, elk and deer are gathering, which can only mean one thing; fall and hunting season are on the way. Hunting is an age-old tradition for many and one that I hold near and dear. Some of the best family memories come from sitting around hunting camp telling tales of previous hunting trips. Whether someone hunts because of tradition, challenge, as a food source, for enjoyment of the outdoors, fitness, or other reasons, it is important to remember that safety is always paramount in hunting adventures.

Safety preparation starts at home. Hunters need to become familiar with all the workings of their bow or firearm, sighting in and practicing shooting, and making sure the bow or firearm is in safe working condition. While out hunting, safety encompasses many measures, but there are four cardinal rules that anyone who has taken a Hunter’s Education class can recite.

  1. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Many hunting and firearm accidents can be avoided if this rule is followed. Being aware of where you’re a muzzle is pointing decreases the chance it is pointed at oneself or a hunting partner. Also maintaining muzzle control in the event of a slip or fall can be the difference between injury or fatality.
  2. Always treat every gun as if it were loaded. Every firearm should be handled with diligence and attentiveness every time it is picked up.
  3. Always be sure of your target and beyond. Unobstructed, a .22 rifle bullet can travel over a mile and a half; it is extremely important to be sure of the target and what is behind it, no matter what caliber rifle is used.
  4. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. It is understandable that hunters get excited and adrenaline is pumping, but by following this rule, hunters can avoid accidentally squeezing the trigger and causing a missed shot, wounding an animal, or causing an accident. These four rules will help increase safety when handling firearms.

Other safety measures include creating a detailed hunting plan and leaving it with a trusted person(s), packing a survival kit, having and knowing how to use bear spray, using blinds and tree stands properly, and scouting hunting areas before the season. Due to our rich Montana history of hunting and being outdoors, safety in the field has long been a priority. Since 1963, anyone under the age of 18 is required by law to have passed a Hunter’s Education class before they can buy a hunting license. For more information about attending a Hunter’s Education or Bow Hunter’s Education class, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/ education/hunter-education.

Colleen Pegar is the MSU Extension Agent in Hill County.