Firearm safety is a year-round endeavor
By Polly Dean
Photos by Jimmy Jacobs.
Here in the Georgia, we are passionate about our hunting. Whether sitting motionless waiting on a buck to cross our path, yelping to entice a gobbler, or shadowing our dogs as they sniff out upland birds, we pursue our sport with not only knowledge and appreciation, but with a sense of obligation. We are responsible for our game, that it shall be taken fairly and not wasted. We also bear the responsibility of protecting our natural resources to ensure that wildlife populations and their habitat continue to thrive. And we carry the responsibility of making sure that our children and grandchildren have the same opportunity.
The author shooting on the 5-Stand.
No matter one’s hunting preference, the use of a firearm is likely involved. Whether it’s a shotgun for birds or small game, or a rifle for deer, hogs or bear, we are required by law and good hunting ethics to know how to use and possess that firearm in a safe manner.
If you haven’t reached the mid-century mark in age, you likely have already or will need to complete a hunter safety course to obtain a license.
Youth and Hunting
At what age should children be introduced to hunting? In many households, youngsters have been “introduced” or exposed to the sport from the day they were born. Growing up in a family where one or more members are hunters, allows a child to be familiar with the concept of firearms and harvesting food for the table. It is a way of life.
Teaching the youth proper gun handling is essential.
However, whether there is a correct age for a child to begin shooting or hunting with a firearm, is much more difficult to answer. In truth, it can vary from eight to eighteen years of age. Maturity and familiarity with the sport, along with growing up with a parent or mentor who hunts, all factor into this decision. The good thing is that it is never too late to pass along the gift of hunting to a young man or woman.
“Learning how to shoot requires discipline, self-control, hand-eye coordination and concentration. Required safety training instills respect, responsibility, teamwork and sportsmanship. The quick success beginner shooters often experience gives them a sense of self-esteem and confidence. In young people, these are all important qualities that affect many other aspects of life,” Joe Bartozzi, President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation says.
Many of the hunting seasons for various species, such as deer, turkey or waterfowl, offer a brief “youth season.” On these days only youngsters may hunt while under the supervision of a licensed adult. This provides a great opportunity for young hunters to harvest an animal before the season opens to the general public and an even greater opportunity for a young guy or gal to enjoy a positive experience in a sport that will bring enjoyment for years to come.
Safety
Firearm safety is always a priority. Basic safety rules for guns apply whether the gun is in use, or stored out of sight. Three basic rules are: Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Hunters apply these rules to every situation whether in a deer stand, walking in the field or sitting in a blind.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Wear ear and eye protection. These measures become habits the more they are practiced. And don’t hesitate to remind those less familiar with hunting, of these rules when out in the field.
Always store firearms safely so they are not accessible to those unauthorized to use them. Organizations such as The National Shooting Sports Foundation and the National Rifle Association are dedicated to training and education and offer a wealth of information on safety and proper storage of firearms.
There is no substitute for time on the shooting range.
Where To Shoot
The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division maintains a number of shooting ranges on our Wildlife Management Areas. For a complete list of those, click here.
Polly Dean is an award-winning writer, photographer, angler and hunter, who makes her home in Athens. She is a member and past president of the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association. Polly is the Associate Editor of On The Fly South. She can be contacted at pollydean22@gmail.com.