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Show Hunting Accidents Go With the Season The arrival of fall means the arrival of the hunting seasons for a variety of Utah's game birds and animals. Unfortunately, it also means hunting accidents. With the excitement of the hunt often foremost on hunters' minds, gun safety is sometimes overlooked. Safety specialists at Utah State University are urging hunters to take extra care to prevent hunting accidents. To help in achieving a goal of an accident-free hunt, they have prepared several print and film aids that clubs and businesses can use to teach their members about gun safety. Steve Bilbao, extension safety specialist at USU, said these materials are available to businesses, 4-H clubs, religious groups, scouts, families any group interested in having its members become safe hunters. One popular film, "Shoot Don't Shoot," helps hunters test their shooting judgment through 11 hunting accidents. The film points out that hunters develop their own safety instincts through time and practice. Another film, called "Survival," talks about hypothermia the rapid loss of body heat and how hunters and others can become its victim. Bilbao said demand is heavy for the films this time of year so groups should get their requests in early. Call Pam Rich at 750-2760. She handles the films in the safety office. Remember, it takes at least two days for the films to be delivered. Bilbao also has handouts on gun safety, along with a checklist on how to handle firearms safely in the home. The extension safety specialists will conduct safety programs for groups, particularly 4-H clubs. The Browning Corp. and others have donated guns to the extension safety office. Responsible adults can check these out for training sessions. The office has pellet guns, pistols, rifles, 12- and 20-gauge shot guns and .22 caliber rifles. For bow hunters, the office has a training manual and archery equipment that can be checked out for training. Bilbao offered several often repeated but important safety tips for hunters to keep in mind. 1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded at all times. Open the action and look and feel inside. Never take another's word for safety. The excuse, "I didn't know it was loaded," is never acceptable. 2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. 3. Be sure of your target and beyond. Never shoot at a sound, movement or patch of color. Pass up the shot rather than take the risk of being wrong. 4. Always keep the action open. 5. Never mix alcohol and gunpowder. 6. Don't trust the safety. To obtain help in preparing or conducting hunter safety courses, or to learn more about gun safety, call Steve Bilbao at Utah State University, 750-2179, or your USU extension county agent. |