If you like to hunt, do you include your family in as many forays into the woods as possible?
For countless American families, hunting is a way of life. Whether it is deer, turkey, ducks or a myriad of other species, time spent in the woods as a bonding opportunity.
With that being the case, it should come as no surprise that guns are prevalent in many American homes. That said making sure gun safety is never compromised is critical to keep all healthy.
So, is a gun safety a top priority in your family’s routine?
Take Safety into the Outdoors
So that your family hunting excursions are as safe as they can be, start in by focusing on your health.
Go about asking yourself how you can make each hunting trip with your family the safest one yet.
Among the areas of focus:
- Gun – Above all else, make sure you have a weapon that is fit for hunting. When you bought the gun, did you make sure to understand how it works? Have you come across any recall issues with the gun about safety? Do you clean the gun on a regular basis so that it is fit to be in use time and time again? By having a safe weapon, you lessen the chances of a possible fatal accident taking place.
- Holster – Whether you have a handgun or a rifle when out hunting, making sure it is secure at all times is crucial. Unfortunately, accidents do take place. One such possible accident is the gun not being secure, and then going off when someone falls. In finding the proper fitting gun holster, you will improve your odds of having a safe hunt each time out.
- Training – When you take a son and/or daughter out into the field to hunt, you want to be sure they’ve had the proper training. This begins with making sure they know how to hold, clean, and of course fire the weapon. Gun safety can and should be a focus both in the home and out at gun safety courses. Part of that gun safety training is by going to a local firing range on occasion. The more comfortable your child is with handling and respecting a gun, the less likely they are to get hurt.
Respecting Others on the Hunt
One key item to keep in mind when out hunting with your family or on your own, the woods belong to everyone.
Although minimal, there are occasions where hunters come in contact in a bad way. Whether arguing over space or the game hunted, such confrontations can be a danger.
As you teach your older child about hunting, make sure to instill in them the importance of the lay of the land.
Among the focus areas:
- Respect – Always respect the property you hunt on and the other individuals out there.
- Dangers – From groundhog holes to branches and rocks on the ground, watch where you walk.
- Help – In the event you or a loved one get hurt while hunting, make sure you have a first-aid kit with you. It is also important to know where the closest medical facilities are.
No matter the family activity of choice, they should be ones where fun and safety are the two main focuses.