New Hampshire Hunter Education Course

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Crossing a Fence Alone

BEFORE CROSSING

Safe hunters always unload their firearms before crossing an obstacle, then they reload after the obstacle has been safely crossed.

Step 1.

If you are crossing a fence by yourself, unload your firearm first, make sure the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction, engage the safety, and keep the action open. Then, unload the firearm.

Step 2.

While protecting the muzzle from debris, place your firearm on the ground with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction away from where you plan to cross the fence.

Step 3.

Cross the fence away from the muzzle, retrieve your firearm, check the barrel for obstructions, load, engage the safety and continue your hunt.

Crossing a Fence With Another Person

Step 1.

If you are crossing a fence or other obstacle with another hunter, unload all firearms first while standing back to back with the other hunter. Pass your firearm to the other hunter with the action open and visible.

Step 2.

Once the second hunter is safely holding both firearms and gives visual and verbal confirmation of control of both firearms, the first hunter may cross the fence.

Step 3.

Once safely across, the unloaded firearms are handed to the hunter who has crossed the fence. The muzzle should always be pointed in a safe direction.