Make safety a priority during weekend opener
As many in this community will know, duck shooting commences on Saturday.
There are two messages that I want to get to get across - firearms safety and security of your firearms and vehicles.
If you follow the seven cardinal rules of firearms safety you won’t have an accident .
Treat every firearm as loaded, your’s and others near you. Don’t take anyone’s word that a firearm is unloaded . Check every firearm yourself when handling it.
Always point the firearm in a safe direction (loaded or unloaded). In police arms training we talk of the laser rule where you imagine the rifle has a red laser line that should never cut across anyone.
Load a firearm only when ready to fire. Don’t leave a loaded firearm leaning against a wall or place it could slide or fall.
Identify your target beyond all doubt.
Check your firearm zone (what’s behind the target).
Store firearms and ammo safely.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Secondly every year a few duck shooters’ vehicles get broken into whilst parked overnight at isolated spots.
We will deploy patrols in these areas but make sure you don’t leave any valuables on show inside your car.
Get dropped off if you can. Beware that unfortunately thieves are about. If you see anyone suspicious at the boat ramps phone us on 111. Finally secure your firearms when not in use overnight, never leave them in a vehicle.