With the fast approaching fall season thousands of hunters in the Ozarks are getting their guns ready to hunt. Hunting is a sport that many enjoy but can be very dangerous if certain safety rules are not followed. Every year people are killed or personally injured due to hunting accidents. According to the International Hunter Education Association approximately 1000 people in the U.S. and Canada are accidently shot by hunters every year and approximately 100 of those end in the wrongful death of the victims. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, ¾ of the hunting accidents in Missouri result from three things: 1) victims in the line of fire but not visible to the shooters; 2) hunters swinging on game and covering their victims; and 3) mistaking another hunter for game.
If you are planning on hunting this season please be mindful of certain basic safety rules that will reduce the likelihood of you being involved in a hunting accident: 1) always assume your firearm is loaded and never point a firearm at anyone; 2) always make sure the muzzle of the gun is pointing down until you are ready to shoot; 3) always keep the safety on at all times until you are ready to shoot; 4) never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot; 5) wear bright colors so you can be seen by other hunters; 5) always be sure of your target and what is beyond.
I hope to never again read a story about a person being injured or killed as a result of a hunter not following basic safety rules. Knowledge equals safety. With the proper commitment to safety education and common sense safety practices, everyone should enjoy a safe and successful hunting season.
Good luck on the hunt!
Brian Johnston
brian@4stateslaw.com
Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci
301 W. Pacific St, Suite B
Branson, MO 65616
Local 417-336-8684
Toll free 888-424-7282
www.4stateslaws.com
Branson Injury Attorney
Tags: Branson, hunting, missouri, mistaking another hunter for game, Ozark Mountains, safety, swinging on game