"When you are walking in to your hunting possie or climbing a fence, your shotgun should never be loaded. While getting over a fence, a hunter should place their gun on the ground first," Mr Rood said.
There were also risks in the confined spaces of maimais.
"Being safe in the maimai means of course making sure your mates are well clear before firing, and checking your firing zone. Other steps include never leaving a loaded gun propped against a wall.
"Any loaded firearm can be knocked over by a dog or your mate and accidentally discharge."
Mr Rood also urged older hunters to properly supervise anyone without a firearms licence who they have taken hunting.
"Opening weekend is a great time to introduce novices to hunting, especially younger family members. However, if these new hunters don't have firearm licences, then they must be properly supervised and that means the supervising hunter cannot be shooting at the same time.
"Instead, they must be within arms reach of the novice hunter at all times to prevent unsafe gun handling," Mr Rood said.
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"It is also a good idea to make sure they know the firearm safety rules".
Safe responsible hunters also know that alcohol and duck hunting do not mix under any circumstances, Mr Rood said.
"There is no hardship whatsoever in keeping the drinks aside for later once the game is cleaned and in the freezer and firearms are safety unloaded and locked away.
After a day's hunting, double check your gun to make sure its unloaded before putting it away in a bag or case."
Mr Rood said Fish & Game is also concerned about the country's appalling drowning rate, and well aware of hunters now taking to the water using a variety of inflatable and other craft.
Any hunters using boats or other water craft need to be wearing life jackets and with camouflage versions available there is simply no excuse not to be wearing one, he said.
"We don't want to be seen as trying to drum too many rules and regulations into people, but our fervent wish is that all hunters end up back safely with their families at the end of the day."