The 111 Files: Rules will help hunters avoid tragedy

Treat every firearm as loaded, says John Wilson. Photo / Supplied

Autumn is here and the weather is cooling off; soon hunters will be heading into the bush for the "roar".

Late March, early April, is the "roar" or rutting season for the red deer, the most common deer species in New Zealand. This preoccupation with mating leads the stags to become vocal and makes them vulnerable to hunters.

Most years there are fatal shootings in the New Zealand outdoors - hunters shot by other hunters.

"Accidental" is not the way to describe these incidents. A hunter shoots exactly what he intends to, but is mistaken about his target. Tragically the person killed is nearly always from the same hunting party.

I will be out this roar myself, as I have for many years, and each year, along with a heightened sense of anticipation, comes a degree of dread. Everyone who goes deer stalking is well aware that this is the most likely time of year for things to go bad. I generally hunt with my daughter or close friends, and the prospect of killing one of them is something too ghastly to contemplate.

I hope that there will be no tragedies, but realistically this is unlikely. I urge all those going into the outdoors hunting to abide by the seven cardinal rules of firearms safety.

1. Treat every firearm as loaded.

2. Always point firearms in a safe direction.

3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire.

4. Identify your target.

5. Check your firing zone.

6. Store firearms and ammunition safely.

7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms.

Of these rules, failing to identify your target is the one most likely to result in death or serious injury. Invariably, every person who has mistakenly shot someone was convinced before they pulled the trigger that it was a deer they were looking at.

Because of this it is crucial that you positively identify your target, and that you can see the whole animal, not just a part of it. If in any doubt don't shoot. If you pull the trigger you will have to live with the consequences forever.