Written by: Jennifer Miller, Greystone Castle
Wingshooters need to ensure that they stay safety-conscious throughout the season.
All photos courtesy Greystone Castle
As the wingshooting season winds down, many hunters are trying to book last-minute trips to get one more hunt under their belts. Hunters often start the season sharp on safety but tend to get sloppy as the season winds down. As you head out into the fields this time of year, it’s always good to have gun safety on your mind. Always check your gun before heading out to make sure the barrel is clear and the gun is properly functioning. There is no substitute for a well cleaned, well maintained piece of equipment.
While walking through the fields or waiting for your turn to shoot clays, it is highly recommended that your gun be broken open. This disarming of the weapon allows you to carry the gun in several different ways that allow you to stay comfortable and not always in “ready” position.
When your gun is closed, always keep the muzzle pointed up.
Keep your finger clear of the trigger until after you mount your gun.
Walking with your finger on the trigger is only asking for an accidental discharge!
Walking with the barrel pointed down or. . .
closed across your shoulder is an accident waiting to happen. Simply turning to point out a bird or other object could result in your closed gun pointing right at another person! And you would never know it!
A proper gun mount, with the butt of the gun snug in your shoulder and your head down on the gun.
Finally, the improper mounts shown in the next three photos will all result in a poor shot and a sore shoulder for sure!
Paying attention to safety means that you’ll be more confident in the field and ready for that magic moment when the birds take flight.
Jennifer Miller works at Greystone Castle Sporting Club, in Mingus, Texas.
Excellent advice. Gun safety should always be the number one priority when hunting. The tip I like that stood out most is “keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot”. I see this time and time again when in the field and always say something to those doing it. My brother had his gun in his lap once and accidentally hit the trigger. The gun discharged because he forgot to put the safety on. It landed in my lap. Had I been on the other side of him, I would no longer be here. Never aim your weapon at anything you don’t intend to kill, and always keep your finger off the trigger until that moment arrives. Thanks for the great resource!