Hunters Should Always Consider Surroundings Before Pulling the Trigger

RALEIGH, NC (October 25, 2016)…As deer season continues across the state, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home From The Hunt™ safety campaign reminds hunters to always take their time and positively identify their target before pulling the trigger.

“It’s easy to get excited when you’ve got something in your sights,” said Chet Clark, the Commission’s eastern outreach manager. “It’s important to collect yourself and ensure there are no houses, vehicles or people in front of or behind your target.”

The four basic rules of firearms safety:

Always point a firearm in a safe direction.

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded and never assume a firearm is unloaded.

Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target.

Clark advises all hunters to always point their guns in a safe direction. One good practice is to use binoculars to first identify a target and then sight through a scope only when ready to fire.

All first-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course, offered free across the state. For more information on hunting seasons, licenses, Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permits and the Hunter Education Program, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call 919-707-0031.