Monster Media 1994 #2

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Text File | 1990-12-08 | 25KB | 512 lines

To Print: mark beginning block with keys Ctrl K B; end block with Ctrl K K; and print with Ctrl K P. Press the keys simultaneously. If viewing from library then you print it using the log section. SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS (Try these topics with F3: Drive, clothing, --------------------- Stand, Survival, Knife, Shoot, Gun) Review safety rules before each hunt; review with other hunting partners also. Physical Requirements - Make sure you can physically do what you plan - consider the worst environments e.g. snow, ice, rain, etc. Get a physical examination if in doubt. Get preliminary exercise - walking, hiking, jogging to get in necessary shape. Elderly hunters may want to hunt with a younger partner General - Safety has priority over everything else. Know the area where you hunt; where homes, picnic grounds, or other areas are that may have human presence. Develop safe shooting zones excluding any area of human presence. Mark the zones with fluorescent tape or other marker if on stand. Get compass readings of safe shooting zones and use if still hunting, tracking, stalking, or tracking so that you always know safe shooting directions even if you lose your sense of direction in the woods. A 'pin on' compass can help keep you oriented to safe shooting zones also. If you live in a rural area or have traveling family members, inform them of the hunting season and remind them to wear blaze orange in or near hunting areas. Make sure you can trust your hunting partners regarding safety. Use a flashlight at dawn and dusk so other hunters can identify you; blaze orange does not show up well in lower lighting. Clothing - Wear blaze orange clothing at all times in in or near the field during any hunting season Dress for worst possible weather - it can change Shooting - Read instruction manual for gun and know it thoroughly Know gun operation thoroughly Practice safety operation on unloaded gun so that you know how safety and fire position look and feel Do not rely on safety to prevent accidental discharge Use proper ammunition for firearm; most firearms have ammunition type stamped on barrel Watch out for lever action rifles which have a hammer that can be bumped causing discharge Dry barrel of oil, etc. before shooting Put safety on before loading or unloading cartridges or slugs and point in safe direction as you load, unload Keep rifle on safe until ready to shoot; never carry a rifle loaded with the safety in the fire position Keep fingers out of trigger guard until ready to shoot MAKE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND; DO NOT SHOOT BASED ON SOUND OR WHAT YOU THINK A TARGET IS; MAKE POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE TARGET BEFORE SIGHTING IN ON IT Watch out for color dimming in dawn and dusk; blaze orange may look greyish Establish safe shooting zones among hunters; know the location of other hunters, homes, roads, etc. Always point rifles away from others in a safe direction Carry rifle safely pointed in safe direction Unload going over obstacles or where you may fall e.g. fences, ice patches, snowfilled hills; at least unload the chamber - control the direction of the muzzle - protect the muzzle to keep it free of obstructions When crossing fence alone, unload and place under fence with muzzle pointing away from where you cross fence. When crossing fence with others, unload firearm, keep action open, give firearm to companion while you cross. Then take your companions unloaded, action open firearm while he crosses. Watch out for branches which may pull trigger or jolt a hammer Use caution loading and unloading guns; help those who have less experience Never lean gun against tree, wall, vehicle, etc.; gun can fall and discharge. Always point gun in safe direction even with safety on; a gun still can discharge with the safety on; a safe direction includes where no people are or where no wall, ceiling, etc. is with people on the other side. Unload firearms when not in use Make sure the barrel is free of obstructions before shooting Never climb a tree with a loaded firearm Wear shooting glasses and hearing protection when shooting Don't shoot at a surface which can cause a ricochet e.g. concrete, walls, water, etc. Always transport unloaded firearms only; bounces can cause discharges besides being illegal in many areas Shoot only when sober; avoid alcohol and/or drugs Make sure others are out of path of shells you eject when shooting In the event of a misfire or funny sounding shot inspect the bore after unloading and removing bolt. Sometimes a cartridge may detach from the bullet; remove cartridge and any loose powder; use cleaning rod to free bullet. Remember to put the safety back on after shooting; in the excitement after shooting remember to keep rifle pointed in safe direction with safety on. Do not alter your gun Make sure deer is dead before approaching and cleaning, kill deer with finishing shot Shoot into a ridge if at all possible or have your stand in a high place so that bullet goes in downward angle to ground Make sure you have a safe shot; take your time; if you have any doubt pass up the shot. Use the correct ammunition for your firearm; carry ony one type to avoid mixing. If you fall control the muzzle into a safe direction; check muzzle for obstructions, dirt or damage (unload first). Never use scope on firearm as binoculars. Watch out for fatique which may cause you to act unsafely; return to camp to rest if you are too fatigued - fatigue also may cause you to see things not there. (Get a good nights sleep the night before hunting.) Make sure children know the difference between a toy and a real firearm. Answer questions from children openly and honestly. Whenever showing a firearm to another pick up gun, open the action, and make sure it is not loaded - a second person examining it should do the same. Safe gun carrying procedure: Two hand carry in front of you (muzzle pointing up)- gives best control - are most ready to fire. Cradle carry - (rifle cradled on top of elbow joint, muzzle up) - both hands hold firearm - safe but muzzle points to one side - do not use when walking on side of person. Elbow or side carry (butt underneath armpit, muzzle pointing down - one hand free) safe in open terrain; in woods muzzle may catch on branches and tangle. Do not use when following behind a person. Shoulder Carry (hand on stock, muzzle up, rifle resting on shoulder pointing behing you - other hand free) - safe but make sure muzzle points up - do not use when people follow you. Trail Carry (one hand free - one hand holds rifle at comfortable balance point) - do not use when following someone. Sling Carry (rifle carried with sling - both hands free - generally used for long distances) - you may want to use one hand to keep control of firearm anyway especially in wooded areas. Should not use in dense woods since brush may pull off of shoulder. Be careful muzzle remains unobstructed in woods from branches, snow, etc. - You may wish to carry the rifle with the sling except muzzle down to avoid snow, rain in barrel. However, always use care with muzzle direction. If walking ahead of persons, perhaps use muzzle down sling carry so barrel points ahead of you; if walking behind person (no one behind you) perhaps use sling carry with muzzle up so it tends to point backward. When walking abreast - hunters at end should use cradle or side carry with muzzles pointing away from rest of hunters; hunters in middle should use side (muzzle forward) or two hand carry (muzzle up and forward). When walking single file - first person can use any carry except the shoulder carry. The following persons (except last person) should use the two handed or cradle carry. The last person may use the two-handed, cradle, sling (muzzle up), or shoulder carry. Firearms in boats - Boat's bow (front of boat) facing out to water when loading or while traveling: Place firearm in bow first with muzzle pointing forward (provided this is safe direction - and bow faces out to water - if not move the bow of boat until it is); after bow hunter enters boat, then place next firearm in stern (back of boat) muzzle pointing backwards away from front of boat and/or pier in a safe direction and away from where hunter will push off boat. Boat's bow facing into land (stern in water) when loading: Place firearm in stern first muzzle pointed away from bow and/or pier where hunter will push off from. Have stern hunter enter; then have bow hunter place rifle in bow muzzle pointing away from stern and where hunter will push off Allways keep muzzle pointed in safe direction. Tree Stands - A large percentage of accidents happen with tree stands so use great care... A tree stand may be safer in some areas because it gets you above the shooting area where deer are; also the height can allow more shots to angle into the ground instead of parallel to it. Use a ground stand in hilly territory; perhaps setting up safely just below the high point. Wear a safety harness UNLOAD guns before climbing up or down and bring gun up or down with a rope tied to both barrel and stock, you climb the tree more safely without a gun on your shoulder and an unloaded gun which falls harms no one Inspect the ground or tree platform for solidness (look for rust, mildew, wood rot) (use treated wood to prevent rotting) Use enough steps on stands you make (galvanized nails are best but still can rust) Secure ladder stands so they are rigid and will not move Make sure necessary branches are strong and not dead or rotting Remove ice and snow Make sure of footing in rain or snow Wear non-slip boots which have good traction; replace before the traction wears out Stay on ground if tired, sleepy, or under medication Do not put gun on branch, nail or lay down Use safety rope on gun around grip; keep gun in hands Take extra nails and a hammer For all camouflage stands put something blaze orange outside stand so other hunters know where you are Rattling, Calling - make sure other hunters in area see you and know you are not a deer Driving - a large percentage of accidents happen when using the drive method so use extreme care when driving ... hold a pre-drive meeting and make sure everyone knows where each will drive or stand and discuss the compass headings as discussed below. standers must never shoot in direction of drivers or other standers - to ensure this: drivers and standers must carry compasses, drivers use the compass to stay on line, standers use compasses to make sure they do not shoot in direction drivers come or where other standers are... make sure compasses work and each person has the same exact heading in degrees if possible, drivers must hold exactly to their compass direction. standers should mark safe shooting arcs on trees or ground around him - the shooting arc should exclude directions drivers come from and where other standers are - add a big safety margin to these arcs - the stander should only shoot in his marked arc - use the compass to verify safe arcs. drivers should never carry guns and should not shoot - frequently drives occur through dense cover where a driver could fall, a branch could pull a trigger, or other accidental discharges could occur. drivers should shout and make a lot of noise; this lets standers know you are a not a deer (it may also causes deer to move) Still Hunting, Tracking, Stalking - make sure you know hunting area thoroughly so you do not get lost. make sure you know how to use a compass to find way; you may find yourself in unfamiliar territory tracking a wounded deer for example. know safe shooting arcs on your compass so that if you lose your direction you still know safe zones to shoot in. A jacket 'pin on' compass may help you know safe shooting zones easier than a pocket compass. Hunting Knife safety - Knife should have well sharpened blade and point Have a knife sheath that protects you should you fall Do not draw or pull the knife toward yourself Do not use to cut through heavy bones Keep handle and hand dry to avoid slipping Use a knife with a guard to keep your hand from slipping onto the blade Heaters - Make sure to have adequate ventilation with heaters which use up oxygen in confined spaces e.g. tents, cabins, etc. Carbon monoxide can cause death quickly. Recommended ventilation includes fresh air inlet from ground or other low level; a roof or high air outlet which allows carbon monoxide to escape (carbon monoxide will float to top). Symptoms of carbon monoxide include first a severe quick headache, red face, then stomach sickness and vomiting. Get fresh air if you notice a headache and provide proper ventilation. Never sleep with certain heaters on which use up oxygen. Read directions carefully on all portable heaters and with use of propane or other fuel. Ammunition - Shells contain a chemical propellants; secure shells with the same safety precautions as a firearm. At End of Season - Always assume a firearm is loaded before handling. Unload all firearms in the field or at the range before taking them into the home Whenever showing a firearm to another pick up gun, open the action, and make sure it is not loaded - a second person examining it should do the same. Clean rifle examining for rust and malfunctioning parts - store in a dry environment to prevent dampness from causing rust but away from heat which may split wood stocks. Put trigger lock in when storing in off-season Store gun and ammunition where children or other unauthorized people cannot reach them - preferably locked. Lock and store ammunition in a different area or room than the firearms. Keep keys away from children. Store unloaded gun so it cannot be dropped when something else is pulled from area Hypothermia - Watch out for hypothermia (exposure to cold) - Make sure to dress warm; hunters are prime candidates for hypothermia; take a woolen hat and mittens and dress in layers of clothes - signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable fits of shivering, dizziness, disorientation, memory loss, stumbling, drowsiness (to sleep may be to die), fatique, and slurred speech - Believe the symptoms not the victim who may deny problem. get a person out of wet clothes and warmed up SOON by a fire and/or with blankets. Put victim in sleeping bag with another person or between to people if bag is big enough. Drink warm liquids but not anything with alcohol. Get to a doctor. Hypothermia cases can develop in temperatures as high as 30 to 50 degrees and many do. Carry some foods and hot liquids with you; chocolate or hot soup. Take matches in case you need to start a fire. Alcohol - Moderation in alcohol consumption has just as much importance as safe shooting practice Do not use firearms or bows when under the influence of alcohol or drugs which impair your physical abilities and thinking Only time sobers you up - not coffee, exercise, being outdoors, or showers. On average your body can process one drink an hour so you want to wait an appropriate time before picking up a gun. This time may vary so use caution. Survival - Here are some proven common sense rules to help you stay out of trouble while hunting, hiking, or backpacking. It is very important for you to know how to care for yourself in the field and back country. IT COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH ::PLAN AND PREPARE TO PREVENT TROUBLE ** Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Leave a description of yourself, your vehicle, and your vehicle license number with a responsible person. Advise them when to notify the proper authorities or a responsible agency if you should not return on time. ** NEVER hunt, hike or backpack by yourself. ** Cancel your trip or change areas if the weather turns bad. ** If you are out just for the day plan to return to camp or vehicle BEFORE DARK. ** Wear clothing proper for the WORST conditions possible in the area you plan to be in. (Hat,gloves, good boots, warm jacket, and if you plan to camp out be sure that you have a GOOD sleeping bag.) ** Study the area carefully. Take maps and a compass and KNOW how to use them. ** Assemble and carry with you a practical survival kit that includes a space blanket, waterproof matches, PLASTIC whistle, first aid kit, signal mirror, knife, high energy food supplements, and water as minimum. (Drink plenty of water when hiking in cold or snowy weather.) Include a booklet on survival and first aid. ** Be prepared for the worst, expect the best. Keep a POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE(PMA.) DO NOT VENTURE OUT IF YOU ARE A NEGATIVE THINKER. Be mentally prepared for the possibility of someday having too face a survival situation. IN THE EVENT YOU DO BECOME LOST *** STOP! If lost, admit it, stop traveling, stay put and wait for rescue. *** THINK! POSITIVE! Keep your PMA. The only thing to fear is fear itself. Judge the situation and the problems which might occur. Keep a rational mind, avoid confusion or panic. Remember, worry wastes energy. *** OBSERVE! Look around for possible solutions to the problems. *** PLAN! Set up a course of action which will best use your energy and resources. *** Check yourself for injuries and attend to them promptly. *** Find shelter and build a fire. Conserve precious body heat and energy, keep dry, get comfortable rest and some sleep if possible. Avoid HYPOTHERMIA and frostbite. *** Don't worry about food. You can live for 30 days or more without food and 3 days without water. Minimum of activity conserves water and body heat. *** Know how to use your survival kit and have it with you. It won't do you any good sitting back in camp or in the vehicle. *** Prepare for rescue. Blow your whistle often, you may not know if someone if near. Use your signal mirror on a clear day and build a smoke fire with green boughs. CONTENTS OF A LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT SURVIVAL KIT ARE AS FOLLOWS. l red clip on kit or a fanny pack 2 space survival blankets 1 25' nylon cord 1 waterproof match safe with matches and 1 BIC butane lighter 1 Metal match 1 pad 0000 steel wool or cotton in a zip lock bag for starting a fire. 1 GOOD quality signal mirror 1 PLASTIC coach-type whistle (ACME Thunderer) 1 Duracell #805 flashlight w/extra batteries 1 Varco Woodsman wire saw 1 bottle Potable Aqua water purification tablets (Don't drink yellow snow) 1 Silva Compass 1 bottle liquid insect repellent 1 package glucose tablets, extra food and/or powdered Gatorade WATER What ever else you think you might need. 1 SMALL FIRST AID KIT ******REMEMBER, it makes good sense to prevent becoming lost by thoughtful preparation and planning. If you become lost, keep your head, take care of yourself, and make it easier for someone to find you. Survival is 10% equipment, 10% knowing how to use the equipment, and 80% PMA. HAVE A GOOD TIME IN THE BACKCOUNTRY Survival information Courtesy of White Mountain Search & Rescue Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA 09/88