Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!doug.cae.wisc.edu!osnome.che.wisc.edu!hunting
From: picou@convex.com (Michael Picou)
Newsgroups: rec.hunting
Subject: Re: Hunting "Accidents"
Message-ID: <1991Jun14.080820.24356@doug.cae.wisc.edu>
Date: 14 Jun 91 13:08:20 GMT
References: <1991Jun13.085430.18808@doug.cae.wisc.edu>
Organization: CONVEX Computer Corporation, Richardson, Tx., USA
Lines: 66
Approved: hunting@osnome.che.wisc.edu
Originator: hunting@osnome.che.wisc.edu



>>  The proper techinque is through intesive education. My training in
>>firearms began at age 5 and continued well into my late teens. Most
>>states have Hunter education but that is usually just the tip of
>>what a person needs in the form of firearm safety education.
>>   You're "empty weapon" concept stinks and should not be practiced.
>>Treat a gun as if it is always loaded, because there is a pretty
>>good chance that it is. The guns that are "not loaded" are the guns
>>that accidently kill people.

>>John R. Holand

It is agreed by most, that intensive education is the best method for 
hunting safety.  For those young starters, a seasoned adult hunter
should be able to teach safety.  It makes no sence to place a high
powered rifle in the hands of a child.  The empty gun theory is not
a stupid idea, but unneccessary.  A child should be started with a
B.B. gun.  Start them out with a `Red Rider' or equivalent.  Teach the
child how to fire the gun, aim the gun, look beyond the target, etc...
Take him in the feild with this gun, and let him shoot at game, this
low power gun will not harm any animal.(even at close range)  As the
child proves himself as being a safe hunter, move him up to a larger
rifle.  The reason these B.B.guns are made is for the purpose of educating
our young to be safe, and prepare them for hunting.  If the trainer
works with the child, this method will sprout a safe and competent hunter.
It really works!!!

If the new hunter is an adult, they shouldn't be hunting without
proper training.  Hunting safety isn't something you learn overnight.
A new hunter should watch dureing the hunt and learn, no gun in hand. 
Parks and Recreation Departments can be of great help.  They can tell
the trainee where and when the hunters education classes are.  A new
hunter has no buisness bein in the woods, or brush with a gun, without
the successful completion of safety courses, and strong knowledge of
what he is doin.  And one should never be left alone.  An adult can 
absorb the training faster than a child.  It shouldn't take long to 
get a new hunter properly trained, and safe to hunt with.




>   I was taken back by John's reaction. The original poster did not
>imply any unsafe practices. In fact, the concept was that the 
>student treat the rifle as if it were loaded (as is proper).
>I would like to point out that empty weapon drills are a common
>training technique. I always operate every function of a new 
>firearm, many times, unloaded at home, before I go to a range.
>Practicing firearm technique, unloaded does not imply that saftey
>rules are being violated. What is the problem?


>		Rod Rubert


Well this subject has aquired enough miles to go across the country. ";')
Hunter education is relatively simple.  There are several different 
methods that can be exercised.  Educating new hunters is not the problem.
The problem is those who don't care, don't think or are drinking while
they hunt.  There is nothing we can do to stop this.  Like the old saying,
`You can lead a horse to water, but ya can't make him drink it!'  Educate 
them all you want, but that won't stop the ones that are already out there.


Hunting is a privledge!  If we don't take care of it, we loose it!!!
Respect it, and enjoy it!

Mike Picou