Safety in the field

Sixty-some years of days afield have taught us that safety is not a rulebook so much as a manner — a way of carrying a gun and moving through cover that becomes second nature. These are the habits we keep, and that we ask of everyone who hunts or shoots with us.

Handling a gun

• Treat every gun as loaded, always. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction — skyward or at the ground — and never at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Actions open and guns unloaded in the clubhouse, in vehicles, at the kennels, and anywhere else off the line or out of the field. Load only when the hunt begins; unload before you cross a fence, ditch, or road, and before you leave the field.
• Finger off the trigger until the bird is up and the shot is yours.
• Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. Know where every member of your party, the guide, and the dogs are before you mount the gun.
• Never shoot at a low bird. If it isn’t clear sky behind the target, let it go. There will be another.
• Ammunition must match the gun. Carry only the gauge you are shooting.

Dress for the field

• Blaze orange is required in the field — a hat at minimum, and a vest or upper garment strongly encouraged. Everyone in the party wears it, including those who are not carrying a gun.
• Eye and ear protection are required on the sporting clays course, the skeet and trap field, and five-stand. We strongly encourage both in the field as well.
• Boots with ankle support and good tread. The ground rolls, and it can be wet.

Dogs and guides

• Follow the guide’s direction. The guide sets the line, calls the field, and has the final word on any question of safety.
• Never shoot toward a dog. A bird that flushes low over the dog is not a bird to shoot at.
• If you bring your own dog, keep it under control and let the guide know how it works before you enter the field. Dogs must be current on vaccinations.
• Give the dogs room to work. Walk where you are asked to walk and hold your position in the line.

On the clays course

• Guns stay open and unloaded between stations. Load only when you are on the stand and it is your turn.
• One shooter on the stand at a time. Everyone else stays behind the shooter.
• Follow the posted station rules and the instructions of any club staff.

Guests

• Members are responsible for their guests. Please share this page with anyone you invite, and walk them through it before the day begins.
• Young hunters are welcome under close adult supervision. Every young shooter is strongly encouraged to have completed a hunter-safety course before carrying a gun in the field.

Around the grounds

• Drive slowly on club roads and two-tracks. Dogs, hunters, and horses may be around any bend.
• Stay off the ice on the lake and ponds unless the club has declared it safe.
• Alcohol and shooting do not mix. Drinks are for after the guns are put away, not before.
• Report any incident, near miss, or unsafe condition to club staff right away.

Beyond these, use good judgment and look out for one another. A safe day is a good day, and we mean to have a great many of them.