The Roar: How to stay safe

As the biggest hunting season of the year ramps up, people are being reminded of the importance of gun safety and identifying your targets.

The Firearms Safety Authority has begun a campaign reminding hunters of rule number 4 of the Firearms safety code, to identify their target beyond all doubt. This means to identify what you are aiming at is a deer, by seeing distinctive features such as antlers, ears, neck and chest. 

In a statement released by the New Zealand Deerstalking association, they say this is not just a guideline, it is a fundamental rule that prevents tragedy.

Corina Jordan, the Chief executive of New Zealand Game Animal Council (NZGAC), says new hunters as well as long-time fans of the sport should constantly be reminded of how to stay safe.

"Even the most experienced hunters, reminding them about the firearms safety rules. Treating every firearm as loaded, only chamber right before you take the shot, really identify your target and your firing zone."

The Roar is known as the biggest hunting season in New Zealand, where Red Deer become very vocal in their breeding season.

It runs from mid-March to the end of April each year, however this year is slightly different as the Easter weekend falls in the middle of the season. This means more people are likely to be in the bush for that weekend. 

Ewan Kelsall, the Partnership manager for the Firearms safety authority says there are around 223,000 firearms licence holders in New Zealand at the moment, and the NZGAC says about 80,000 are big game hunters on a regular basis. 

Identifying your target beyond all doubt is the key take-away police and others are trying to share, however there are more things to do to keep you and others safe in the bush as well.

Corina says communication between your hunting group, as well as with family who isn't with you, is vital. 

"Tell your family and friends your plan. When you are going in, what areas you are going to be hunting in, and when you are expected to get out. All hunters should have a personal locator beacon... 

Always expect there to be another person within your area. Especially hunting at this time of year there will be people around that you didn't expect, so once again just clearly identify your target, take a deep breath, recheck your firing zone before bagging yourself a deer."

Ewan says bright coloured clothing is vital not just for you, but on a deer carcass or antlers when you are carrying it out.

“They [deer] can often be in dense vegetation or low light, which makes identifying the target even harder… High visibility clothing allows people to not identify you as a deer.”

As exciting as this season is for many, firearms are never to be carried without care.

Corina says “go out there and enjoy it. Obviously if you are a new hunter you will be going with a mate, thats really important, take someone who knows what they are doing and who is super experienced. There is a lot that can go wrong in the bush… take your time.”