Press Release
For November Time Frame
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- If you're taking a youngster deer hunting for the first time, make sure he or she understands some important safety rules, says Earle Robbins, Penn State Cooperative Extension agent in Tioga County. Robbins is a Pennsylvania Game Commission volunteer, a hunting/trapping education instructor and state 4-H shooting sports coordinator for Penn State Cooperative Extension.
"Young people handling firearms need to develop some important habits," says Robbins. "We can instill these habits by instructing them, and more importantly, by setting an example. New hunters, as well as those who have held a hunting license in another state or country, are required to complete a hunter-trapper education program. These individuals also need role models who practice safe hunting skills."
Robbins offers these hunting safety tips:
--Make sure firearms are in good working order, and barrels and chambers are free of obstructions. Guns must be sighted properly and have the proper size of ammunition.
--Familiarize yourself with the hunting site, so that you will know what's beyond your target. "Walk through the hunting grounds before deer season starts," Robbins says. "When you know the area, you can keep livestock and buildings out of the line of fire."
--Make sure every member of the group wears a combined minimum of 250 square inches of hunter orange on the head, chest and back.
--Assume every firearm is loaded. "When you pick up a gun, the first thing you should do is check it for ammunition," Robbins says. "When you pass a firearm to someone else, leave the action open so there is no chance of it firing."
--Unload guns and leave the actions open when you are transporting them to and from the hunting area.
--Always keep track of where your gun is pointed, and keep your finger off the trigger until it's time to fire at your target. Never aim your gun at anything you do not plan to shoot.
--Know the location of all the members of your hunting group. "Before separating, discuss where each hunter will be standing on watch and who will be walking through the woods," Robbins says.
--Don't shoot until you're absolutely sure of your target. Shooting at a sound or an undefined shape is inviting tragedy. "During deer season, this also means making sure whether the deer is a buck or a doe," Robbins says.
--Unload your gun before climbing trees, scaling fences and logs, or jumping over ditches.
--If you have shot a deer and are preparing to dress it, don't forget to unload your gun.
--Never engage in horseplay using a gun.
Youngsters can learn more about hunter safety and shooting sports in programs available at schools and through 4-H. About 100,000 youths in 33 states are enrolled in 4-H archery, air pistol, air rifle, .22 rifle, black powder rifle and shotgun sports. In Pennsylvania, about 2,700 youths participate in 4-H shooting activities. "Along with safe hunting, youngsters learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline,"
Robbins says. To learn more about 4-H shooting sports programs, contact the
Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county. 4-H is open to all youths
between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national
origin or disability.
________________________________________________________________________
Earle Robbins can be reached at (570) 724-9120.
Editor: John Wall
Phone: 814- 863-2719 office
Email: jtw3@psu.edu
PR #04349
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