Dove, Dogs, and Shotguns

“Safeties On!”

That is what Dad says every time we get out into the field to go hunting. Leaving my gun on safety is a habit. It is part of my routine as I begin to take aim and fire, it’s automatic. I’ve heard people saying safety causes them to react slower or they know how to  handle a gun. Those are lame excuses for putting themselves and others in danger. Safety saves lives, something I learned the hard way.

It was my first dove hunt. I was loaned a 12 gauge by my cousin and didn’t really know how to operate it correctly (1st mistake). We had been having a great time all day and it was around 2:00 P.M. when I dropped a dove over a fence line. Being a novice hunter (and one like those I mentioned above), I simply leaned the gun on the other side of the fence (not on safety) and began to climb the old barb wire fence (2nd mistake). I threw one leg over the top as the post shook under my weight and so did my gun, as it was resting against the post (barrel up). As I tried to get my other leg over, SNAP the post broke and down the fence came, along with me and my gun. It sounded like a cannon going off beside my head as I felt the heat from the muzzle. I was in mid-air when it went off and as I hit the ground everything felt surreal. I laid there with my mind clearer than it has ever been and my first thought was, ”I’m still thinking so I guess I’m not dead.” I felt around my head and checked my hand for blood, but there was none. It had missed me by inches, I guess. My next thought was Dad! I jumped up and yelled “I’m okay, I’m okay.” Dad was probably 300 yards away and I swear a cheetah didn’t have shit on him, he was racing toward me. After he saw me get up he fell to his knees out of relief and I made my way to him where we were both so overcome by it all the tears couldn’t be stopped. My stupidity almost cost me my life, my dad, his son and my kids ( I have four boys) would not be here today. Falls are the number one cause of hunting accidents. Never climb with your gun and never lean it against what your climbing on. If you must cross over or under anything, lay your gun flat on the ground and then cross. For more on gun safety click here

Sure, that’s a good way to learn the value of safety, but some pay a much higher price than me. Don’t let it be you or your loved ones, be safe and use safety.

In order to insure everyone has a good time, always remember SAFETIES ON.

Time to Reload!

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