Cromwell Police are reminding hunters about their responsibilities after a recent incident where a caravan was struck by a stray bullet at the Cairnmuir Camping Ground in the evening of Sunday, October 4.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident where a bullet struck and pierced one side of a caravan before exiting through a perspex window on the other side while the occupants were watching TV.
A police investigation into the source of the shot is ongoing and anyone with information as to who may have been hunting in the vicinity of the camp ground is asked to contact Constable Sam Rundle of Cromwell Station on 03 445 1999.
Police are reminding hunters that the obligation is on them to ensure they are versed in the law around the carriage and use of firearms, and to apply the seven basic rules of firearm safety, at all times.
The Firearms Safety Code: 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.