As deer hunting season commences around the state, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home From the Hunt campaign reminds hunters to be aware of their surroundings and positively identify their target before pulling the trigger.

“Every step in every hunting environment brings a new viewpoint,” said Chet Clark, the Commission’s recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) manager. “It’s the hunter’s responsibility to be aware of these changes and potentially dangerous shooting situations. Homes, vehicles or even people could be in front of or behind your target, so hunters should never use their rifle scope to identify their target. Instead, they should opt for binoculars or a spotting scope to be sure they’re taking a safe shot.”

The four primary rules of firearms safety are:

1) Always point a firearm in a safe direction. 

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

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

4) Be sure of your target – and what’s in front of and behind it.

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.  

Submitted by Ruan Kennemur