Maine Firearm Hunter Safety Course Practice Exam

How should hunters treat every firearm?

1. As if it is only useful for target practice

2. As if it is loaded

3. As if it is always on safety

4. As if it doesn’t need maintenance

The correct answer is: As if it is loaded

Hunters should treat every firearm as if it is loaded. This is a critical principle of firearm safety to prevent accidents and mishaps. By always treating a firearm as if it is loaded, hunters ensure they handle it with the necessary caution and respect. This mindset encourages proper safety measures, such as keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction, keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, and being mindful of what is in front of and beyond the target. This approach helps to minimize the risks associated with handling firearms.