Hunting is a popular sport in Indiana. It’s very safe when proper hunting safety instructions are followed, and with deer season in full swing, it’s a great time to review the basics.
Hunting accidents are rare—according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, there was a percentage of 0.05% of hunting accidents per 100, ranking hunting accidents just below camping and billiards/pool for cause of injury. However, it is important to be careful when handling firearms and follow safety instructions to prevent potential accidents.
According to Indiana’s Hunter Education course, the four most common causes of hunting accidents are judgment mistakes (mistaking another person for game or not checking the foreground and background before shooting), safety rule violations (such as pointing the muzzle in an unsafe direction or ignoring proper procedures for crossing difficult terrain), lack of control/practice (this can lead to accidental discharges and stray shots), and mechanical failure, such as improper ammunition or a barrel obstruction.
If you’re handling a firearm:
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Never point it at a person.
- Treat every firearm as though it is loaded, even if you think it isn’t.
- Make sure you are sure of the target and what is in front of and behind it. Never shoot at a hard flat surface or water.
- Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
- Unload firearms when they are not in use.
- Check barrel and ammunition prior to shooting the firearm; be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstacles. Carry only the correct ammunition for your firearm.
- Only point a firearm at something you intend to shoot.
- Store firearms and ammunition safely and separately.
- Do not drink or use any mind-altering medications or drugs before or during shooting.
If you’d like to learn more, Indiana has a fantastic resource in the form of an online hunter’s education course that provides an overview of Indiana’s hunting safety information.
While hunting accidents are rare, they do happen. If you or someone you love has suffered from an injury sustained due to a hunting accident or equipment malfunction, call the lawyers at Schuerman Law to learn how to get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-274-0045 to schedule your free consultation today.
