Safety key to successful hunting experience Published Oct. 4, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Dillon White 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Hunting season continues in Montana and safety precautions and preparation will help hunters achieve a successful hunt. A successful hunt, even if it does not harvest wild game, can also be seen as a successful experience. "As a hunter in Montana, we truly are in an environment that can be potentially deadly to the ill prepared, but rewarding to the prepared," said Jim Maloney, 341st Security Support Squadron combat arms instructor. "Have a plan, hunt in pairs, use common sense, be familiar with Montana hunting regulations and keep an eye on the weather." Hunters must abstain from alcohol and drugs when handling weapons, "for obvious reasons," Mr. Maloney said. Those who venture out this hunting season also need to be sure of their target and what is behind it before they take the shot, he added. "Sometimes hunters blend in so well with their environment, they may be mistaken as game," Mr. Maloney said. "Or a projectile fired from a rifle or bow could easily zip through wild game and strike an unseen bystander, cabin or cattle. A projectile can fly through the air for miles before it loses energy... and a lot can happen from the point of being fired and to where the bullet lands," Mr. Maloney said. Hunter-orange clothing is a safety requirement for hunters in Montana and plays a role in preventing accidents. "To be safe and be seen, hunters need to wear hunter-orange clothing," Mr. Maloney said. "Montana state law requires a minimum of 400 square inches of orange is to be visible when hunting. That means hunters can not put packs on over their orange vest because it would cover a portion of the 400 square inches." Hunters carrying firearms should always treat their weapons as if they were loaded as well, said Mr. Maloney. "If every weapon is treated as being loaded or having a round in the chamber, how can there be accidental discharge injuries?" Mr. Maloney asked. Weapons maintenance is also important. "Keep your firearm or bow clean and in proper working order. A bow or firearm that is in disrepair or dirty is dangerous as it may not be reliable or accurate," Mr. Maloney said. Before an individual can hunt in Montana, they must complete a state-run hunter's-safety class. Classes vary in length depending on whether a person is in the military or a civilian, or if it is a bow or rifle class. "For active-duty servicemembers, the rifle class is a full day and for civilians, the class is two weeks long," said Mr. Maloney. "The bow class is similar in length to the civilian rifle class. I have attended [all three] classes with my daughter and we really enjoyed the experience." Active-duty servicemembers can contact outdoor recreation to sign up for hunter-safety classes. The last available class is Oct. 16. For more information on hunter safety courses, go to http://fwp.mt.gov/education/huntereducation/hunterprog.html Some tips on hunting safety: ~ Do not trespass on private property ~ Check and service firearms/bows, clothing and equipment ~ Carry a compass and maps ~ Discuss hunting/emergency plans with everyone in the party ~ If using ATV's, service before use. Check mounting racks if planning to transport large game or heavy equipment ~ Give an itinerary to a friend and include dates you plan to leave and return ~ Always point weapons in a safe direction ~ Keep fingers out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot ~ Check firearms to see if they are loaded every time they are picked up ~ Do not accept firearms until you know how to determine if they are loaded ~ Properly identify game animals ~ Shoot in good light ~ Do not climb fences, trees or ladders with a loaded weapon ~ Do not jump a ditch or cross difficult terrain with a loaded weapon ~ Do not raise a loaded weapon by any means to a tree stand ~ Carry weapons with both hands whenever possible for the best control to prevent an accident in the event of a stumble or loss of balance ~ Do not run with a loaded weapon