Thread: From Mr Plod too gun owners

A new news release is available for you to view on the Police website:

Title: Police remind hunters to identify their target before taking the shot

With the approaching duck shooting season and other hunting events including
the 'Roar' (deerstalking), Central District Police want to send a timely
reminder to firearms owners to identify their target before taking the shot.

Central District Firearms Licensing Manager Carole Duffin said: "Recent
hunting accidents that have resulted in death highlight the need to identify
your target. The last thing you want is to have the day marred by a serious
injury. If in doubt don't take the shot."

"Also drinking alcohol while using a firearm is just plain stupidity; leave
the celebratory drinks until you have locked away your firearm and
ammunition."

As a firearms owner it is your responsibility to know and practice the seven
basic firearms rules. If you are taking people hunting with you that are
unlicensed but want to shoot, you must as a licensee directly supervise them
while they are shooting.

Firearms owners are required by law to store their firearms securely at all
times with the ammunition and the bolt stored separately. If you have changed
address since your firearms licence was issued, you are required by law to
let Police know. All licence holders must install security at their home,
regardless of whether or not they actually posess any firearms.

"We want to help you stay compliant but we can't do this if you don't keep
your details up-to-date. Failure to notify us of changes can lead to a $500
infringement."

An expired licence means the owner is unlawfully in possession of a weapon
and that can carry a sentence of up to 3 months' imprisonment and/or a fine
of $1,000.

If you are going bush while hunting a great tool to take with you is a
personal locator beacon.

"These beacons can be a lifesaving investment if you get injured or lost as
it means emergency services can find you faster and get you home to your
family.

"We want you and your mates to have a safe day out hunting so you can
celebrate your success afterwards. Remember to identify your target and
practice safe handling of firearms."

Firearm owners in Central District can notify police of changes by ringing
the Firearms Licensing Unit on (06) 351 2550, or visiting the police website
New Zealand Police | Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa and clicking on the 'do it online' section, or by email at
central.firearms@police.govt.nz.

You can download a copy of the Arms Code from the Police website. It is also
available free at all Police stations.

The seven basic rules
1. Treat every firearm as loaded
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction
3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire
4. Identify your target beyond all doubt
5. Check your firing zone
6. Store firearms and ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara
Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.


Please view the full news release online at:

Police remind hunters to identify their target before taking the shot | New Zealand Police

Thanks,

New Zealand Police