Think safety this duck hunting season

Nothing is as exciting as settling into the maimai on the first Saturday of May. You’ve waited months for this day to roll around again – opening weekend of duck season is here!

The maimai is full of friends, family and the dog. While you can’t control whether the birds will be plentiful, you know keeping yourself, and everyone in your group safe takes more than just luck.

The more people around, the greater the risks

The maimai can be a busy place, so make a plan before the ducks start landing. Swinging your shotgun while following gamebirds can shift your aim into an unsafe direction. Agree in advance your safe firing zones, and stick to them. Stay aware of where your companions are.

Quick tips

• Never point, or allow others to

point, a firearm at any person!

• All hunters agree at the start of the day on the direction they will shoot and keep to this plan. • Shotguns that are not in use should be in a firearm holder/rest, unloaded, and with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction.

The best hunters follow the seven basic rules of firearms safety and insist that others do the same.

This duck season we urge hunters everywhere to have a plan for their maimai, so everyone

Treat every firearm in the maimai as loaded

Treat every shotgun as if it is loaded – no matter how sure you are that it’s not. That means keeping the muzzle pointing away from yourself and other people, finger off the trigger, and having control of the shotgun at all times.

Quick tips

• Treat your shotgun as if it is

always loaded.

• Do not take anyone else’s word that a firearm is unloaded – always check.

• Never lean your shotguns where they could slide or be knocked over. knows what to do before the first ducks arrive. An organised maimai helps with a successful hunt. A good bag, and a safe, enjoyable weekend has nothing to do with luck.

Save any drinks for after the hunt

We know opening day is a great opportunity for people to get together. But keep the drinks on ice until the hunt is over. Alcohol and firearms don’t mix! Stay sharp. Save the refreshment until after you’ve safely locked your guns away for the day.

Quick tips

• Do not drink alcohol before or

while using your firearms.

• Do not hunt with anyone else

who is, or has been, drinking. • Gears before beers – safely lock your firearms away before going for a drink.