Professional hunting groups teach and expect their members to adhere to all safety rules. Hunting hobbyists do their best to obtain hunting and marksmanship skills that assure clean sportsmanship. Hunters are also proud supporters of wildlife conservation efforts; this support in turn ensures good hunting for generations to come.
During camping, hunters are expected to keep their campsites neat and inoffensive. It is unethical to openly display their kill in their vehicle or during camp.
To a certain extent, experienced hunters know very well not to rely on their weapon's safety. To ensure paramount safety, hunters should treat all hunting guns and weapons as if they were fully loaded or ready to fire. They are expected to never climb trees, stand or jump in ditches or cross fences while carrying a loaded gun. They are neither allowed to winch a loaded gun to a stand nor to load and then carry loaded weapon until these are for actual use. Before hopping to vehicles, weapons should at all times be unloaded.
The skilled hunters always watch their muzzle so that other fellows don't have to. They are instructed to wear hunting gears in bright colors, specifically orange, so they can be clearly seen, even from afar. The gear is completed by a hat in blaze orange. According to rules, a hunter orange should be worn at around 400 square inches above the body's waistline during all deer hunting seasons. During the stand, these should be worn by a hunter at all times and never taken off even once.
Hunters are tasked to keep separately their ammunitions and guns in storage that are locked. They are directed never to shoot unless they are absolutely certain of their targets. It is also protocol for these hunters to know their weapon's range, because even a .22 rimfire of a gun can travel to over two and a half miles. Eye and ear protections are a must when hunters are on the field, shooting.
Gun action and barrels should at all times be clear of obstructions. Hunters are expected to know this by heart. Hunting gurus are also strictly asked to carry ammunition that is only intended for the hunting weapon that they are currently using. Hunters are also observed to be always carrying handguns in which their hammers are down on an unfilled chamber.
During hunting camps, hunters are assigned to buddies whom they inform on which part of the area they intend to hunt and when they are expected to return. Hunters are expected to promptly notify in case plans on an area of target changes at any given time.
Other basic rules include dressing appropriately for the weather, taking maps and compass so as not to lose track of the area, and being vigilant for other possible sources of threat. Just like any outdoor hobbyists, hunters are expected to carry flashlights with them during their walks through and throughout the hunting area.
The hunting hobby aims to inculcate, especially to the youngsters, the expertise vital to becoming a true outdoor lover. There can be no better way to enjoy this pastime that has existed for decades!
