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Police urge hunters to be responsible and safe during upcoming season

Tuesday 23 March 2010, 9:59AM

By New Zealand Police

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BAY OF PLENTY

With the 2010 hunting season about to get underway, Bay of Plenty Police are urging hunters to be responsible and safe, and to follow the seven basic rules, which include identifying the target "beyond all doubt" and avoiding alcohol or drugs.

The upcoming season is about to get into full swing, with the roar starting, then the opening of the pig hunting season, followed by duck shooting and game bird hunting.

"The Bay of Plenty and South Waikato areas are a hunting Mecca and we are lucky to live relatively close to many excellent hunting spots. But its important not to get carried away with the excitement of the hunt and forget some of the basic principles," says Mike Keefe, Rotorua Arms Officer for Rotorua Police.

"Safety should always be the number one priority and careful use of firearms is absolutely paramount.

"It only takes a second to make a potentially tragic mistake – no animal is worth that mistake. Ensure your target is correctly identified, beyond any doubt. Target identification could mean the difference between a human life – or death."

Mr Keefe says an issue that came to Police notice during last year's hunting season was the consumption of alcohol while people were out hunting.

"Some people may see the consumption of a tot or two as part of the tradition of duck shooting. In fact, its just plain dangerous."

Mr Keefe says one hunter is now completely blind in one eye after an incident last year, however, he was lucky not to have lost his life.

"In this incident, two people had been drinking alcohol while they were out hunting. One of them had shot and downed a duck and whilst retrieving the bird, his colleague opened fire at another duck. A pellet struck his friend in the eye causing permanent blindness. The outcome could have been much more serious."

Mr Keefe says hunters are also reminded that it is illegal to shoot from moving vehicles on public roads. Those found doing this may not only lose their firearms licence, but their drivers licence as well.

Mr Keefe says a comprehensive Arms Code Booklet is available at all Police Stations, and this contains a good overview of the rules and regulations, as well as some safety reminders.

The Seven Basic Rules are:

1. Treat every firearm as loaded
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction
3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire
4. Identify your target beyond all doubt
5. Check your firing zone
6. Store firearms and ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

Mr Keefe says that any breaches of the firearms safety rules may also result in a loss of firearms licence.

"Most importantly, we just want people to be safe out there. Follow the seven basic rules, and if you are approached by an enforcement officer, be co-operative. Without the guardians of the resource, there would be no hunting."