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| Sholeh Patrick |
Gun safety: You can't be too careful
We're not a hunting family, but my children's friends are already missing school to go hunting, so it must be that season again.
Hint No. 2 was what came home from school yesterday -- an NRA flyer on safety.
Gun accidents are a relatively rare thing, but safety always bears repeating, especially when it comes to kids. I'm one who'll never forget that; the only live autopsy I attended for law school forensics class involved a 14-year-old boy who shot himself in the thigh while showing off his uncle's gun to a cousin. Yes, the boy had been taught better and had hunted with the weapon. His story is rare, but responsible gun owners don't let low statistics keep them from taking any possibility lightly.
Kids are by definition immature, so even with training and experience, the only safe gun is unloaded and locked up when not supervised by a responsible adult.
The National Rifle Association recommends parents teach their children:
• For young kids or kids not ready to handle guns, the mantra:
"STOP!
Don't touch.
Leave the area.
Tell an adult."
• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, never toward a person, pet, or building, but pointed toward the ground or the target.
• Always keep fingers off the trigger until time to shoot.
• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
• Get official safety training from a certified program.
Some ranges and private entities offer hunter education programs, or anyone can take them from Idaho Fish and Game. Fish and Game offers several inexpensive alternatives, all including a certificate of completion:
• Live classes: The next registration is the first week in January (with additional classes every other month through fall), for $8 per person. Best option for children 14 and under.
• Online classes: Anytime at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov, then a requirement of a practical (test); the next practical is Nov. 15. Total cost for this option is $23. Not recommended for those younger than 15.
• Home study: A free workbook is available from Fish and Game's office on Kathleen Avenue (near Atlas Road), with a practical upon completion. Total cost $8. Again, this option is not recommended for younger children.
For more information, call Idaho Fish and Game at (208) 769-1414.
Sholeh Patrick is an attorney of counsel at the Palmer|George law firm and a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Send e-mail to sholehjo@hotmail.com.
