With small and big game hunting seasons now underway, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association is reminding hunters to make every hunt a safe one.
“Hunting season to many people means carrying on traditions and spending time outdoors with family and friends,” association president Derek Hebner stated in a release.
“But safety has to be of paramount importance when taking to the field in search of game. You can expect to see Ontario’s Conservation Officers out in the field inspecting hunters and ensuring everyone is hunting safely.”
Safety first
ACTS and PROVE are handy acronyms to remember, the association said.
- 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
“I want to wish everyone an enjoyable, successful and safe hunt,” Hebner added. “Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy everything that Ontario’s outdoors have to offer but the most important thing is to make it home safe at the end of the day.”
Anyone with information about a natural resources or public safety related offence is encouraged to call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry violation reporting line at 1-877-847-7667, contact their local Conservation Officer directly, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Visit www.ocoa.ca or https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-natural-resources-and-forestry for more information.
