Responsibilities during duck shooting season

Farmers need to be aware of their responsibilities during duck shooting season

Duck shooting season starts this Saturday 2nd May, so now is a good time to review the basic health and safety guidelines of hunting, particularly those regarding fire arms.

The first concern surrounding duck shooting relates to the location of the shoot itself. The rumour mill has been spinning this year and it appears many farmers are thinking of shutting down access to their ponds due to fear of accidents and potential legal repercussions they may face as a result of hunters using their land.

"There is absolutely no need for farmers to shut down their ponds and not let people enjoy their land", says Melissa Vining, HR Consultant for Crowe Horwath who manages Health and Safety issues surrounding duck shooting; particularly in regards to the responsibilities of employers and employees in the work place.

"Fire arm safety is the number one issue, and if all shooters brush up on the 7 basic rules regarding gun use, then health and safety should not get in the way of an enjoyable day" Vining elaborates.

All the rules are equally important, but the one rule that appears to come up time and time again in relation to duck shooting accidents, is the handling of alcohol during the shoot.

Having a designated sober driver and making sure that all fire arms are locked away safely before the bottles are opened is the cardinal rule. Alcohol impairs judgement and compromises safety when hunting with fire arms. In America it has been estimated that 75% of all hunting accidents are related to the misuse of alcohol during a shoot.

Other factors to consider are outlined in the 7 principles of fire arm safety. Responsible gun owners will be consciously aware of these, but it never hurts to be reminded.

1. Treat every firearm as loaded

2. Always point firearms in a safe direction

3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire

4. Identify your target

5. Check your firing zone

6. Store firearms and ammunition safely

7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

So what do the farmers whose land is being used for duck shooting need to be aware of?

"Hunters are going onto a farmer's land for recreational purposes and as such the primary concern for the farmer is getting the duck shooters to and from the shoot safely", says Vining.

Ensuring that workers on the farm are nowhere near the vicinity of the shoot is key.

The other issue is what happens at work the next day, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption post-shoot. In order to reduce risk and increase safety for all, it is important that employers have sound health and safety protocols in place where employees are aware of the fact they can't show up at work drunk or tipsy the next day. This seems obvious, but again, it never hurts to get a reminder.

Vining suggests employers should consider reviewing their health and safety policies with their employees prior and during the duck shooting season.

ENDS

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