Project ChildSafe Encourages S.A.F.E. Hunting with 10 Tips for Firearms Safety

National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project ChildSafe

Now that hunting season is in full swing, Project ChildSafe, the firearms safety education program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), is launching its annual Hunt S.A.F.E. campaign to promote firearms and hunting safety.

“Before going afield, it’s a good idea for all hunters to review their hunter safety procedures and to remind novices about safe gun handling, including unloading firearms and securely storing them after the hunt is over,” said NSSF CEO Steve Sanetti. “NSSF and Project ChildSafe encourage hunters to make safety the #1 priority to help ensure an enjoyable and safe hunting season.”

Project ChildSafe stresses the importance of responsible gun handling and storage year-round, particularly during hunting season when firearms are going in and out of the house more often.  “S.A.F.E.” is an acronym for Store your firearms responsibly when not in use; Always practice firearms safety; Focus on your responsibilities as a firearms owner; and Education is key to preventing accidents. To help hunters of all levels stay safe, Project ChildSafe has provided the following Top 10 Hunt S.A.F.E. tips:

1. Don’t forget that you haven’t completed a safe hunting trip until your firearm is unloaded and securely stored.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction when afield, at the range and when transporting firearms.
3. When hunting, keep the safety “on” and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
4. Make sure you are easily identifiable and not mistaken for game by other hunters.
5. Know your target and what lies beyond it.
6. When hunting alone, make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return.
7. Unload your gun when climbing, crossing a fence or stream or getting into or out of a vehicle.
8. Store ammunition separately from the gun, and store firearms safely and securely out of the reach of children.
9. Make sure your hunting companions share a commitment to responsible behavior.
10. Be an ethical hunter by being adequately prepared – practice your shooting skills,review the rules of firearms safety and maintain your firearms to keep them working properly and reliably.

In addition to these tips, Project ChildSafe has developed a Hunt S.A.F.E. Quiz and a Hunting Checklist for Families to help reinforce safe firearms handling and storage.

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. While children are a primary focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help children and adults practice greater firearms safety. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories, which is in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998.

To learn more about Project ChildSafe visit projectchildsafe.org.