Gun Safety Information

It is estimated that there are more than 200 million privately owned guns in the United States, this number continues to grow with the increase of illegally imported guns. It is important that gun owners follow safety precautions while handling and storing their guns, not just for their own safety, but for the safety of their families and the general public. There are a handful of organizations and programs dedicated to educating the public about the importance of gun safety, the following gun safety information will help gun owners to better understand proper gun safety and the importance of educating others about gun safety.

General Gun Users

One of the most basic gun safety rules is never keep a loaded gun on hand. Storing a loaded gun presents additional risk for misfire and accidental shootings. It is best to store your gun in a locked gun safe with the safety on and the ammunition stored separately. Also, remember never to put your finger on the trigger of the gun until you are ready to shoot. Misfiring can cause property damage and injury to others. When using a gun, make sure you have a clear shot at the target and alert anyone standing nearby that a shot may be fired. Establish a firm and steady stance when firing a gun, injury to the shooter is increased if the gun is handled incorrectly or their footing is unstable. Guns should be properly maintained and cleaned to ensure that they operate correctly.

Gun Owners with Children

Gun owners with children should take the time to educate their family about proper gun safety. It is important to explain to young children that guns are dangerous is mishandled and should never be played with. Families that own guns for recreational purposes or hunting should explain the proper use of a gun and hunting related gun safety. Relate gun safety rules to children and emphasize that a gun should never be used without adult supervision. Children should learn how to properly identify a gun and avoid unsafe situations. Talk to your child and explain that if they see a gun out in the open they should leave and tell an adult.

The National Rifle Association has designed the Eddie Eagle program especially for small children. For older children, there are various programs from organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, Civilian Marksmanship Program, and the National Rifle Association. Teach children to leave the area if they find a gun and inform an adult.

Gun Owners Living in the City

Gun laws may vary from the national, state, county, and city levels; gun owners need to be familiar with the gun laws and regulations in their area of residency. Handgun laws, in particular, vary from area to area. With increased gun violence in cities, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on illegal gun possession and trafficking. Make sure that all firearms are properly registered, and always carry a current license for your firearms. Check with your local police department for gun laws and regulations in your area. Store all firearms in lock gun safes or gun cabinets. It is best to keep gun safes out of sight, storing them in closets is popular. Remember to store ammunition and safe combinations or keys in a secure separate location.

Gun Owners with Criminal Record or on Probation

Those on probation due to a pending or recent criminal charge should check with their probation officer regarding their ability to own firearms. Normally, people who have been convicted of felony, crime against another person, theft, or involvement in drugs are not permitted to own a gun. Failure to notify a probation officer or the court of any firearms in you possession may result in the probation being revoked. Other factors to consider may be the respective State Hunting Boards rules and regulations and other state departments involved.

Gun Safety Statistics


What firearm you are hunting with.
Who you are with.
When you are returning.
Where you are going.



Stand Hunting
Still Hunting


Which species is there federal hunting laws for?

Wood Duck
Ring-knecked pheasant
Snowshoe hare
White-tailed Deer


Which field carry provides the most firearm control?



Which choice is NOT recommended when approaching downed wildlife?

Approach quietly from behind.
Poke animal gently with a stick.
Shoot it again before approaching to make sure it is dead.


What is the technique known as "driving"?



Scouting an area you want to hunt should include:

Walk around the area looking for animal movements and signs.
Look at maps and aerial photos of the area.
Answers B and C.



So fellow hunters know where you are located.



Hunting license


Which of these does NOT violate a hunting safety rule?

Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
Keeping your finger on the trigger while stalking game.
Two hunters shooting at the same game.
Identifying what lies beyond an identified target.