Hunt Safe, Hunt Smart, Hunt Sober
With the upcoming legalization of Cannabis on October 17th, 2018 the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to take this opportunity to remind hunters to always practice safe, responsible and sober hunting.
“The handling of a firearm is a very serious matter and safe handling can’t be stressed enough” says OCOA President Sean Cronsberry. “Impairment of any kind, either by drugs or alcohol, can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.”
In addition to hunting sober the OCOA would also like remind hunters to hunt safely and to remember ACTS and PROVE:
- Assume every firearm is loaded
- Control the muzzle direction at all times
- Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard
- See that the firearm is unloaded – PROVE it safe
- Point the firearm in the safest available direction
- Remove all ammunition
- Observe the chamber
- Verify the feeding path
- Examine the bore
“By practicing safe and sober hunting we hope everyone has an enjoyable and successful hunting season.” concludes Cronsberry.
Anyone with information about a natural resources or public safety related offence is encouraged to call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry violation reporting line at 1-877-847-7667, contact their local CO directly, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
