Police warn gun owners

Gun owners are being advised to clean their guns, unload them when not in use, and clearly identify their target when out shooting.

Inspector Joe Green, manager for firearms control and safety, said Police are warning gun owners in the lead up to the roar and duck shooting season to give their firearms a thorough checking over before and during use, and take every safety precaution.

“Gun owners must keep all parts of any firearm in a clean and well-maintained condition to reduce the risk of the firearm accidentally discharging,” said Inspector Green.

“Most responsible gun owners are well aware of the need to continually check and maintain their firearms. Unfortunately, all too often it’s the careless gun owner who gets into trouble and an innocent person becomes the victim.”

A young man in New South Wales was accidentally killed when a loaded shotgun was knocked over and discharged. The shotgun had been leaning against the wall of a farm shed while the young men were doing other work.

While the Coroner reported that there were indications the gun may have been faulty the cause or nature of this fault is not known because the firearm was not available for inspection.

”Hunters cannot be too careful when identifying their target” Mr Green said.

During 2000 there were two deaths and one injury of hunters, apparently caused by mistakenly identifying the hunter as an animal.