Lepel Inter-district Inspectorate informs about Hunting Safety Rules

transferring a firearm to another hunter without checking the barrels for a cartridge in the chamber and without unloading it before the transfer. The shotgun should also be unloaded during a halt, when approaching populated areas or a vehicle. At the resting place, it is best to hang your "musket" in a secure location, for example, on a sturdy branch.

·                    After a misfire, do not open the barrels immediately, without taking the shotgun from your shoulder; wait 10-20 seconds – this will help avoid the consequences of a delayed shot. The shotgun should always be opened with the barrels pointing away from people and the chamber facing away from you.

·                    When transporting by any means, the shotgun must also be unloaded and placed in a case. However, in hunting grounds, it can be removed from the case and, without loading, held with the barrel pointing upwards, for example, slung over the shoulder.

·                    When shooting, a hunter must always understand that other people may be present in the forest. This is especially true for bullet firing. Moreover, during **group hunts**, especially in poor visibility. In this case, it is necessary to maintain constant communication with companions, using light or sound signals. By the way, knowledge of the types and methods of seasonal hunting is also important.

·                    Brightly coloured vests are helpful during collective driven hunts, which is particularly important in winter. Discipline is crucial here: you must not leave your assigned spot or cross the boundary flags, as you may enter another hunter's firing zone. It is also forbidden to shoot at game in adjacent sectors, even if the animal is wounded and moving away.

·                    These are the most fundamental points that every person with a firearm should know to avoid endangering others.

·                    Equipment and Gear

·                    Another important factor that significantly contributes to the safety of a hunter is their **gear**. Indeed, when time is short and seconds count to retrieve a cartridge or draw a knife from its sheath, in the heat of the moment, we make mistakes that contravene safety regulations. This happens when the necessary item is too deep in a bag or

pockets with poor equipment. Therefore, to avoid such oversights, one should not skimp on equipment and should purchase high-quality and reliable items that will not let you down at the crucial moment.

Unwritten Rules of Hunters

There are also unwritten rules of hunter conduct when taking a trophy, which have been formed over hundreds of years of hunting. This is the so-called etiquette or hunter's code, which is passed down from generation to generation.

·                    All hunters are equal among themselves during the hunt and in leisure.

·                    Respect older hunters and hunting traditions.

·                    Remember: mutual assistance and hunting camaraderie are the greatest values.

·                    Do not be cruel to animals.

·                    A large animal is considered the trophy of the hunter whose shot stopped it. Small game belongs to the one who finished it off. During collective hunts, everything is usually divided equally.

·                    If game is caught in another hunter's sector, it is given to the one who was stationed there.

·                    Do not shoot a bird that has not taken flight, and do not disturb a hare lying in its form.

·                    Do not shoot a large animal while it is fleeing, and do not leave it to die wounded.

·                    If game is taken from another hunter's dog, return the game to the dog's owner and take compensation in the form of cartridges.

·                    It is forbidden to shoot animals and birds for amusement.

·                    Drunkenness during a hunt is unacceptable and can lead to disaster.

·                    An honest hunter will not take game from another's trap.

·                    And most importantly – nature is our home, and we must behave towards it accordingly: carefully and rationally!

·                    Of course, these are not all the ethical rules, but the most basic ones, which every hunter who respects themselves and nature should adhere to.

·                    However, there are still people who treat nature exploitatively and ignore all codes and laws. Sooner or later, this results in misfortunes and calamities for completely unrelated people. It is good if only the negligent shooter themselves suffers.

·                    To reduce the number of such people, we must observe the rules and laws.

Good luck to everyone on the hunt!