Safe Hunting Rules

When Dick Cheney became only the second vice president in American history to shoot someone while in office, hunting safety rules became the focus of the American public. Many throughout the country are curious if he followed all the rules of safe hunting.

Rules for safe hunting can be found on the Web site of the Americans for Gun Safety Foundation (AGSF). These guidelines relate what hunters should do before and during any hunting trip to ensure safety of all involved.

Accordding to the AGSF, the top safety rule for hunting is to never point a firearm at anyone, including yourself. Hunter should also establish zones of fire before entering the field. This way, the participants will know the "area within which each hunter will track and fire should game appear."

Other important AGSF hunting safety rules are: to always identify the target before pulling the trigger; not taking a shot if there is any doubt; using binoculars instead of a firearm's scope; controlling the direction of the gun's muzzle during a fall; checking the weapon after a fall; never shooting at a sound or motion; being doubly sure of your target; and never mixing guns with alcohol, drugs or fatigue.

It is thought that if these rules are followed religiously, safe hunting will be ensured.