Hunting Safety

Safety Rules

1. Alcohol is strictly prohibited during hunts.

2.  Obey all the common rules of gun safety while afield, e.g., always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. Be mindful of where your hunting colleagues are at all times. Always wear hunter orange, at least a cap, and preferably a cap and vest.

3. Maintain a straight line when walking.

4. Always scan the ground in front of you for obstacles that may trip you (e.g., a hole or piece of wire).

5. Know your assigned safe zones of fire and respect them. Do not shoot at birds that flush behind you.

6. When approaching a point, move quickly but safely into position.  Listen to your guide for the best positioning.

7. Always approach a pointed bird dog with your gun barrel pointed up with the safety on.

8. Do not shoot at low-flying birds or at any bird if the guide yells “no shot" or "low bird.”

9. If you knock a bird down, mark its location well. Don’t proceed towards the downed bird until all shooting has ceased.  Retrievers are on the ground for a reason.  Allow them to retrieve downed birds.

11. Always unload your shotgun (safely and completely) before getting into the vehicle; leave the action open for easy inspection. When unloading your gun, make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction at all times (generally upwards and away from anybody).

12. When making a shot, make sure that you see "blue sky" in the background. This will ensure that no dogs, hunters, guides or vehicles are in your line of sight.

Quail & Pheasant hunting is a great sport. But remember, there is no shot out there that is worth endangering yourself, your friends, your guide, or the dogs!