State Technical Assistance Team

Hunting/Gun Safety For Missouri's Children

GunHunting was initially a means to feed the family. It has transitioned over the years to a sport or recreation, with handguns and/or rifles found in many homes across the U.S. Mishandling or playing with guns can lead to tragedy. With appropriate care, maintenance and securing of firearms, deaths due to accidental firearm injuries should never occur.

In Missouri, unintentional firearm injuries were the cause of two child deaths in 2004:

A child was in a room with a family member, who was unloading a deer rifle. The rifle accidentally discharged causing a fatal injury to the child.

A student at an academy rifle range was accidentally shot by another student.

In 2005, a family member was playing with a gun, when the gun went off fatally wounding a child.

The 10 Commandments of Gun Safety
  1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  2. Guns should be unloaded when not actually in use.
  3. Don't rely on the gun's "safety". Treat every gun as if it can fire at any time.
  4. Be sure of the target and what's beyond it.
  5. Use correct ammunition.
  6. If the gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, HANDLE WITH CARE. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and get adult help.
  7. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
  8. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
  9. Don't alter or modify the gun. Do have the gun serviced regularly.
  10. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm used. Do not use any firearm that you have not had adult instruction in handling.
Children should remember...if you see a gun:
  • Stop!
  • Don’t touch the gun.
  • Leave the area where the gun is at.
  • Go tell an adult about the gun.

For more information visit these Internet Web sites: