Safety advice as hunting season approaches

“Hunting season is approaching, and it is important hunters keep themselves and others safe”, says Acting Superintendent Mike McIlraith of 51街射.
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There's a significant increase in the number of hunting-related incidents and Search and Rescue operations at this time each year, with target misidentification being the biggest cause of fatalities.?
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Acting Superintendent McIlraith says the responsibility is always on the shooter to positively identify their target, saying “the consequences of failing to fully identify a target beyond all doubt are immediate, tragic and catastrophic”.
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The Mountain Safety Council’s insights into hunting season shows that 92% of misidentified target incidents occur when the individuals involved are less than 75m apart. Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Safety Council Mike Daisley says, “There is a general perception that the misidentified target incidents are across a valley, several hundred metres away, when in actuality they aren’t.”
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Acting Superintendent McIlraith says, “Anyone who is planning to use a firearm is required to have a valid firearms licence and comply with the New Zealand Arms Code. If you do not have a licence you must be with someone who does – and they in turn must supervise the unlicensed person closely.”
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It's also important to take care in the outdoors – watch your footing, know your limits, and look out for each other. Plan your trip, tell someone your plans, and take sufficient supplies including a personal locator beacon.?
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Outdoor and hunting safety information can be found on the Mountain Safety Council website, and hunters at all levels of experience are encouraged to check out this material. ?
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
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