Firearms Safety in the Field, on the Range and at Home

Firearms Safety
There is a sentence in a pilot's flight manual that reads, "When you enter the cockpit of this aircraft, you become part of a system over which you have control -both in terms of operation and
safe handling. You are the only one that can make the system safe or unsafe."

The same is true of all firearms owners, whether they are hunters, target shooters or casual week-end plinkers. From the time they pick up a firearm, shooters become part of a system over which they have complete control. They are the only part of the system that can make a gun safe -or unsafe.
Hunting and target shooting are among the safest of all sports. But they can be made safer -by reminding firearms owners that they are the key to firearms safety and by following safe gun handling.
The safety rules included in this pamphlet are easy to understand, but experience has shown that most firearms-related accidents happen because these simple rules were not followed. Please read - and follow them -each time you handle firearms.
Firearms safety is up to YOU. Make no mistake about it!
We live in a free society in which one of our state and federal constitutional freedoms is the right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment II To The Constitution of the United States:
"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Article 2, Section 26, Constitution of the State of Oklahoma:
"The right of a citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person or property , or in aid of the civil power, when thereunto legally summoned, shall never be prohibited..."
All rights, however, are accompanied by individual responsibilities, and one of the responsibilities accompanying this constitutional right is a
knowledge of firearms safety .

Ten Commandments of Gun Safety
I. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
3. Be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
4. Know your target and backstop before you pull the trigger .
5. Unload firearms when not in use.
6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.
7. Never shoot a bullet at a flat. hard surface or water.
8. Store guns and ammunition separately beyond the reach of children.
9. Know your firearm and required ammunition.
Read your instruction manual.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs before or while handling firearms.
By no means are these the only safety rules for handling firearms. Other common-sense rules -such as carrying handguns with the hammer down on an empty chamber. or wearing eye and ear protection while target shooting should always be followed. The bottom line is that you should be fully capable of handling your firearm in a safe and proper manner at all times. If you are in doubt or have any questions. ask your firearms dealer. your county Game Warden. a local Hunter Education Instructor or other knowledgeable person for assistance. Remember: Firearms safety is up to you. 

In the Field
As well as the general rules of firearms safety, there are additional rules which must be followed when hunting.

Before Leaving Home
Responsible hunters learn before the hunt how to shoot safely and accurately. They practice regularly so they are familiar with their firearms and check their equipment to see if it is operating properly. They know the range and effectiveness of their ammunition and ensure they have the right ammunition for the gun being used and the game to be hunted. Their guns are accurately sighted-in. 

Firearms Safety While Traveling 
Whether your gun is being carried in a car , boat, on a horse, motorcycle, or in any other vehicle, these rules of safe gun handling must be followed. 

I. Be sure the gun is unloaded. 
2. Place it in a protective case. 
3. Position the firearm securely so it will not move about during travel. 
4. To transport a gun on a public transportation vehicle such as a bus. train or plane, check first with the carrier's agent concerning the regulations. 

Firearms Safety in the Field 
There are several ways to carry a gun safely and at the same time have your gun ready for quick use in the field. 
Whichever carrying method you use, these basic rules apply: 
I. Keep the muzzle pointed away from yourself and others. 
2. Keep the safety in the "ON" position when carrying a firearm. 
3. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard. 

Two-Hand or Ready Carry 
The "two-hand" or "ready carry" is the safest carry for hunters. 
This carry gives you good control of the muzzle and allows you to raise your gun quickly for a shot. 

Cradle Carry 
The "cradle carry" is another safe carry. How- ever. because the muzzle points to one side. this method should not be used when walking beside anyone. 

Trail Carry 
The "trail carry" is safe when several people are walking abreast. It is also safe for the leader when people are walking single file but others in the line should not carry their guns this way. 


Zones of Fire 
When hunting with others, "zones of fire" must be established so each hunter will not endanger others when he shoots. 

If three hunters in pursuit of game birds were to walk across an open field, the middle hunter's zone of fire would be birds flying in the center of the field. The zone of fire for the hunter on the right would be birds flying in the area to the right side. The third hunter's zone of fire would be birds flying in the area to the left. The same zone of fire applies when hunters are walking abreast in pursuit of small game like rabbits. Remember zones of fire change constantly as you move across the field. 

After zones of fire are determined, hunters must shoot only within their specific zone. If hunters shoot out of their zone of fire, they could hit one of their companions. 

Because a flock of waterfowl usually flies in one direction, hunters shooting from a boat or duck blind must determine zones of fire for each person in the group. Each person shoots only when birds are flying within his particular zone of fire. 

Big game hunters often separate while hunting and unless zones of fire are established, a hunter could be mistaken for game by one of his companions. Before separating from the group, each hunter determines his planned location and the direction he will travel and this is established as his particular zone of fire. Every member of the hunting party must be informed of each hunter's zone of fire. 

Safe shooting zones for hunters

Firearms Safety in Boats 
When hunting from a boat. the firearm to be carried in the bow should be placed in first. It should be unloaded and pointed forward. After the first hunter is in the bow of the boat. the second unloaded firearm should be placed in the stern. pointing sideways. The second hunter can then shove-off and take his position in the stern. 
Before shooting. anchor the boat firearm. Both hunters should remain in the center of the boat with their firearms always pointing away from each other . 

Other Recreational Shooting Activities 
It is important that beginning hunters have a high level of shooting proficiency before going hunting. It is also important that they know their firearms are sighted in accurately and that they know how to handle and operate them safely. It is too late to find these things out when in the field hunting. They must be determined beforehand. The best way hunters can accomplish this is to participate in other recreational shooting activities before the hunting season. These activities can be done year round. Some activities may be done before youngsters are old enough to hunt. By doing a lot of supervised shooting at this time, hopefully they will have overcome the urge to do a lot of indiscriminate shooting when they first go hunting. 

Plinking 
Some people enjoy shooting just for the fun of it. They spend many hours "plinking" at tin cans. targets or pest species such as rats. But just like hunters. people who go plinking have certain responsibilities. They must ask permission to shoot on private property .They must pick up and remove targets when the shooting is finished. and they must be concerned about safety. Thoughtless. in- considerate plinkers are not welcome anywhere. One problem that greatly concerns landowners is plinkers who shoot glass bottles and leave the broken pieces lying around where they may injure livestock or damage tires. 

Range Safety 
There is much to be said about plinking and busting clay targets with a hand trap. However, there are many would-be shooters who don't have a place to fire their rifle. shotgun or handgun. 
There are many commercial shooting ranges. shooting clubs and unmanned Department shooting ranges across the state. These designated shooting ranges are set up with proper safety control measures which range users must adhere to. These measures are simply a set of rules to be followed while handling firearms. These rules differ very little from the previously mentioned TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARMS SAFETY . 
Firing on a designated shooting range should be a planned activity allowing many shooters an opportunity to fire. Here are a few additional safety rules that apply to any range. 

I. Keep action open, muzzle pointed down range or in a safe direction and firearm unloaded until you are on the firing line and the range has been cleared for loading and firing. 
2. Wear proper, adequate eye and ear protection. 

The general safety rules which apply to both indoor and outdoor ranges are: 

I. Know and obey all range commands. 2. Know where others are at all times. 3. Shoot only at authorized targets. 
4. Designate someone to act as a range officer when none are present or assigned. 
5. Open. unload and secure firearms during cease fires. 
6. Do not handle firearms or stand at the firing line when others are down range. 
7. Smoking, eating or drinking while on the firing line is prohibited. 
8. Only those firearms authorized on a given range facility will be allowed. 
9. All firing will be done from designated firing lines or positions. 
There are several Department wildlife management areas that have designated unmanned shooting ranges. They vary from an earth berm as a backstop to shooting benches and target stands. 

While using Department shooting facilities. specific rules and information should be noted and are posted as you enter the area.
The first sign you will see states: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. USERS MUST HAVE AN OKLAHOMA
HUNTING LICENSE UNLESS EXEMPT.
The second sign nearest the unmanned shooting range will have specific rules which include:
1. Shooting hours sunrise to sunset only.
2. No glass of any kind permitted on range.
3. No fully automatic weapons allowed.
4. Remove all targets and debris when finished.
5. No alcoholic beverages.
6. Always practice safety on the range. 
Surrounding the Department shooting ranges are designated impact areas where no one is allowed.
These safety zones are posted and marked with 12” x 14" fluorescent orange signs stating: DANGER. STAY OUT. SHOOTING RANGE ZONE.
If you would like additional information on Oklahoma shooting ranges. please write the ODWC.
1801 N. Lincoln. Oklahoma City. OK 73105. More information on firearms laws. ranges and safety operations is available from the National Rifle
Association. 1600 Rhode Island Ave.. N.W..Washington D.C. 20036; National Shooting Sports Foundation, 555 Danbury Road. Wilton CT 06897 -2217; Bureau of Alcohol. Tobacco and Firearms. 1114 Commerce St.. 7th Floor. Dallas. TX 75242; Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration. Manager. Air Security Branch ASW -720. Southwest Region. Ft.Worth.TX76193-0720.

Home Safety
Many people own firearms. Whether guns are used for hunting, target shooting or home defense, all firearms are potentially dangerous if handled carelessly. Since many firearms-related accidents occur in the home, it is especially important that only competent, responsible individuals have access to firearms stored at your house. There are no hard and fast rules that always apply to all situations, but the following general safety tips should guide you. 
• Take a firearms safety class with other members of your household to learn basic firearms safety . Take a periodic refresher course. 
• Handle and maintain firearms in a safe and proper manner at all times. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; always check the action when handling firearms; and remember to keep your finger away from the trigger unless you are actually shooting.
• Never leave a loaded gun unattended -not even for one minute -where a child or other inexperienced person might be able to reach it. Store guns unloaded out of reach of children and inexperienced firearms handlers. Store ammunition in a safe, separate area.
• Never handle strange or unfamiliar firearms until you have read the owner's manual or have had the owner demonstrate how to operate the firearm. 
• Be especially careful when cleaning firearms. Far too many 'unloaded' guns have injured people in the act of cleaning their guns. You must check the action each time you pick up a gun. 
• Read the instruction manual that comes with your firearm and follow the safety tips it contains. New instruction booklets are available from the firearms manufacturers, usually free of charge. 
• Help prevent firearms thefts by storing firearms in a secure area when away from home.
Follow these safety tips and make them apart of your firearms handling habits. Remember: Firearms safety is up to you! 

The Law
As with firearms safety, each individual is required to know applicable firearms laws and regulations. 
Numerous municipal, state and federal statutes control the use, ownership, transportation, purchase, sale and legal use of firearms. It is the responsibility of each individual gun owner to be aware of what is legal and what is not. Some laws and regulations concerning firearms can be found in Oklahoma Statutes, Title 21 and Title 29, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hunting regulations, and in the federal firearms laws publications available from the U.S. Government Printing Office. 

OKLAHOMA MANDATORY HUNTER SAFETY CERTIFICATION LAW: Oklahoma requires individuals 16 to 35 years of age born on or after Jan. 1, 1972 to possess and exhibit a hunter safety certificate before purchasing an Oklahoma hunting license or tag. Also, all persons under 16 years of age must possess a hunter safety certificate prior to purchasing a deer gun tag or hunting big game (deer, antelope and elk) .This law applies to lifetime license holders as well. Additional information is available from the Department of Wildlife Conservation at 405/521-4650. 

The Department of Wildlife Conservation acknowledges support of the Outdoor Empire Publishing Company, National Rifle Association & Washington Department of Game for artwork and script. 
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation operates free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152, or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. 


Your purchase of hunting and fishing equipment and motorboat fuels supports Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration and boating access facilities. 


Tree Stand Safety
The Department recognizes that many hunters are already using or will use an elevated tree stand while hunting. By following these few simple rules you can reduce the risk of having an accident.
• Tell someone where you will be using a tree stand so they will know where to search if you don't return.
• Use a portable stand rather than a permanent one. Permanent stands can become loose or fall apart. causing a fall. They also damage the tree.
• Securely fasten the portable stand to the tree trunk no more than 10 to 12 feet above ground.
• Use a safety rope or belt with a harness to secure yourself to the tree before bringing up your unloaded equipment with a haul line.
• Use the same line to lower equipment back to the ground Never climb up or down with any equipment in your hands or strapped to you.
• Never fall asleep in your tree stand or take medicine that causes drowsiness.
• Never use any alcohol or drugs on any hunt whether you use a tree stand or not.

You will help make your next tree stand hunt a memorable one if you follow these safety rules. Remember. safety is your responsibility.