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Firearms safety tips*

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Watch the muzzle! Prepare to control the direction of the muzzle even if you stumble.

• Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that you have only ammunition of the proper size for the gun you are carrying.
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it before you pull the trigger; know identifying features of the game you hunt.
• Unload guns when not in use. Take down or have actions open. Guns should be carried in cases to the shooting area.
• Never point a gun at anything you don't want to shoot or kill. Do not play with a firearm.
• Never climb a tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
• Never pull the gun toward you by the muzzle.
• Never shoot a bullet at flat, hard surfaces or water.
• Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children and careless adults. Use trigger locks.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and medications that cause drowsiness before or during use of a firearm.

*This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.state.md.us.

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