Warden urges turkey hunters to use four firearm safety rules
May 6, 2013
By: Joanne M. Haas/Bureau of Law Enforcement
Warden Paul Sickman of St. Croix County says this recent case of the turkey hunter shot by another serves as a real-life reason why all hunters should always follow the four rules of firearm safety, particularly the rule regarding knowing your target.
“The recent turkey hunting incident involving a turkey hunter shooting another person while scouting for turkeys should remind hunters to clearly identify their targets before shooting,” Sickman says. “Hunters should not shoot at movement or noise or color.”
Sickman says the April 30 incident in St. Croix County’s Town of Somerset remains under investigation.
Sickman says when it comes to turkey hunting, a legal turkey during the spring season is a male turkey or a turkey with a beard.
“But when it comes to hunting in any season, all hunters are urged to always remember the four rules of firearm safety, which is known as TABK,” Sickman says.
TABK stands for:
T – Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
A – Always point the firearm in a safe direction.
B – Be sure of your target and beyond.
K – Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
“These are commonsense practical rules that will not only increase the safety of the hunter and everyone in the same hunting party, but it may also increase the hunter’s chances of having a successful hunt.”