Page 70 - 2018 NOV/DEC Outdoor Oklahoma

Focus on Hunter Education
Safety

Oklahoma Hunter Education

Focus On
Hunter Education

Enhanced Student Manual
Builds Safety, Ethics Afield Question:
What is the most important thing to do when
carrying a gun?
It’s a great time to be a hunter in Oklahoma! Answer:
Opportunities abound! Also, hunters are safer and Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at
more ethical than ever, thanks in part to the Oklahoma all times.
Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Hunter Education
program. Since 1965, more than a half-million hunters Question:
The more you hunt, the more likely you are
have completed an Oklahoma Hunter Education course. to have an accidental discharge. How do you
make sure it doesn’t kill or injure someone?
During 2018, Outdoor Oklahoma magazine will focus Answer:
on Hunter Education by featuring new or improved Always point your firearm in a safe direction.
content from the state’s Hunter Education manual. The Question:
80-page manual is given to Hunter Education class What should you assume about every gun?
participants, but all hunters regardless of age can benefit Answer:
from this important information. Those not able to Assume that every gun is loaded.
attend a class can complete the state’s official Hunter Question:
Education course free online at wildlifedepartment.com. When handling a firearm, you should always
control what?
Loading and Answer:
The direction of the muzzle.
Unloading Firearms Question:
Who is responsible for safe handling of the
firearm?
OBJECTIVE 2 Answer:
The person holding the gun.
Question:
Firearms should be kept unloaded unless they are in use. Be You should never take a shot until you are
sure you are familiar with the way your firearm is loaded and certain of what?
unloaded. When loading and unloading a firearm make sure Answer:
the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. Have someone who Don’t take a shot until you are certain of your
target and what is behind it.
is familiar with the way your firearm works show you the
proper methods of loading and unloading ammunition. Question:
Is it OK to use drugs or alcohol before or
• Always check for yourself whether or not a gun is during shooting?
loaded. Don’t rely on someone else’s say-so. Answer:
No. It is dangerous. Never do it.
• Practice using “dummy” ammunition until you can Question:
efficiently load and unload your firearm. What should you do after a fall?
Answer:
• Keep your finger out of the trigger guard when You should examine the barrel of your firearm
loading and unloading ammunition. to make sure there is no snow, dirt or mud in it.
• Even if you just unloaded it, always treat a firearm
as if it were loaded.

42 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA