Page 71 - 2018 NOV/DEC Outdoor Oklahoma

Safety

Oklahoma Hunter Education

Safe Zones of Fire Ammunition Safety

OBJECTIVE 4 OBJECTIVE 5

The area into which a hunter may shoot safely is referred It is extremely important to know the correct methods
to as a “zone of fire.” When hunting alone, your safe for handling ammunition. Following a few rules can
zone of fire will be determined by your field of view, the keep you and your hunting partners safe.
presence of trees, rocks, water or other obstacles and the • Carry only the correct size of ammunition for your
range of your firearm.
firearm.

Upland gamebird and waterfowl hunters often use zones • If ammunition appears dented or in any way
of fire that are triangle shaped. Hunters walk or sit in a defective, don’t use it!
straight line, in sight of each other when hunting. No • Store ammunition in its original box. Do not
one runs ahead or lags behind the line. The area behind mix different types of ammunition in a generic
the hunters is off limits–no one turns to shoot behind. container.
The middle hunter or hunters have the narrowest zone • Keep ammunition away from heat or from being
of fire–about 45 degrees. Hunters to the left and right hit.
ends have a broader zone of fire since they can swing to
the outside edges. No one shoots at game that is directly • Keep your ammunition locked in a separate
between each hunter. container from your firearms.

The 10 Commandments of Firearm Safety

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
2. Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in
Safe Zones of Fire use.
3. Don’t rely on your gun’s “Safety.”

4. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
5. Use correct ammunition.
6. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled,
handle with care!
7. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
8. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before
shooting.
9. Don’t alter or modify your gun, and have guns
serviced regularly.
Question: 10. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics
Who can safely shoot at this bird? of the firearm you are using.
Answer:
The hunter on the right.

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