Use firearms properly this hunting season, law enforcement warns

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, the Royal Newfoundland Constabularyand RCMPare teaming this hunting season.

They held a press conference Thursday to remind hunters in Newfoundland and Labrador to use their guns safely, and legally.

Last years' season saw 251 charges laid for firearms violations, up from 180 in 2013.

"We will be working diligently and cohesively to ensure the safety of the public and to ensure that hunters understand the responsibilities they have," said Barry White, the superintendent for Fish and Wildlife in the Eastern Region.

Staff Sgt.Boyd Merrill said RCMP hasseen an increase in hunters shooting firearms from inside or around the vehicle.

"It's not uncommon to be going down a winding road and all of a sudden there's a car in front of you stopped with a hunter jumping out looking for a moose or firing at a moose in the middle of the road," said Merrill.

Fines for improper use of a firearm can range anywhere from $75 to as high as $10,000.

The fall moose hunting season begins this weekend.

Practice makes perfect

Wendell Smith, president of the Upper Humber Rod and Gun Club in western Newfoundland, thinks anyone new to hunting should brush up their skills in one of the province's shooting ranges before heading out into the woods.

"When you visit the range, you enhance your skills," he told CBC's Corner Brook Morning Show.

"You know that your rifle is on, your rifle skills are good and you're going to take that kill in the vital areas and not wound the animal so that it crawls off somewhere where you can't find it and dies."

In addition to practicing at a range, Smith said visiting and networking with members of a local rod and gun club can ensure that new hunters have people they can look to for best practices and advice.

"We always encourage the safety issues, so any member that comes to the rod and gun club is well in tune."