The sentencing of Andrew Mears for shooting Rosemary Ives in a tragic hunting incident last year, highlights the need for all firearms users to refocus on the seven basic rules of firearms safety.

Rosemary Ives was fatally shot by Mears while he was spotlighting deer.

Mr Spray said: 'It is essential that hunters know the seven basic firearms safety rules and apply each part of them at ALL times. This regrettable incident could have been avoided by following Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt.'

'Extra care is required when spot lighting, as the field of vision is limited to the beam of the spotlight only and target identification needs to be positively confirmed', says Mr Spray.

For the most part firearms owners act responsibly around firearms. However on the occasions when firearms users do drop their guard, the consequences can be serious. 'All firearms users need to stay alert at all times when handling firearms and take special care,' says Mr Spray.

The Seven Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling

1. TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED

- Check every firearm yourself.

- Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2. ALWAYS POINT FIREARMS IN A SAFE DIRECTION

- Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3. LOAD A FIREARM ONLY WHEN READY TO FIRE

- Load only the magazine after you reach your shooting area.

- Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.

- Completely unload before leaving the shooting area.

4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT

- Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.

- Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise.

5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE

- THINK! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?

- Do not fire know others are in your firing zone.

6. STORE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SAFELY

- When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.

- Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended.

7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS

- Good judgement is the key to safe use of firearms.

ENDS

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