Leave no doubt before you shoot this Easter

Hunters heading out there to find deer during the Roar are urged to be very careful what they shoot at, particularly over this busy long weekend, when large numbers of hunters can be expected to be out in the bush. File picture

The Roar is under way and hunters are urged not to rely on luck to keep everyone safe, as there will likely be big numbers of them taking to the bush over Easter.

Police and the Firearms Safety Authority have made a safety plea ahead of the long weekend.

Recreational firearms user groups have been coordinating their messaging this year, to ensure safety remains top of mind for the thousands of hunters who will take to the hills and bush chasing roaring stags or croaking bucks this autumn.

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, says New Zealand hunters in general have a good culture around firearms safety, but it only takes one mistake to ruin many people’s lives and the deer roar sees a spike in  incidents.

“Recreational hunting is a big part of many New Zealanders’ lives,” said Te Tari Pūreke director of partnerships Mike McIlraith.

“We just want everyone involved to have a great time away and to head home safe to their loved ones.”

Mr McIlraith said Te Tari Pūreke will be running safety messages in mainstream media and has coordinated with key recreational firearms users groups who share the same safety goals for anyone out hunting this Roar.

“Keeping themselves and others in their hunting area safe takes more than luck.

“We’ve boiled it down to three key reminders for hunters this year — make a plan for your hunt and stick to it, always treat every firearm as loaded, and identify your target beyond all doubt.”

Mr McIlraith said hunters were lucky to be hunting in a time of high deer numbers in many places.

“Hunters don’t need to be in a rush to shoot the first deer they see. They should take their time  and wait until they see the whole animal.

“All of this helps to keep the hunter calm and make 100 percent sure they have identified their target.

“If they have any doubts , then don’t shoot!

“Hunters should not feel pressured to take the shot — no meat or no trophy is better than no mate.”