This hunting season the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is joining with the National Shooting Sports Foundation to remind hunters that safety remains at the core of America’s hunting traditions.

“This is a time of year when a lot of firearms are in use and in transport,” said DNR Hunter/Boater Education Lt. Billy Downer. “We want everyone who enjoys hunting opportunities in South Carolina to know that materials and resources are available to provide education and important reminders about how to be safe with their firearms in the field, on the range, at home and everywhere in between.”

NSSF’s campaign, “The Hunt isn’t Over Until You Are S.A.F.E.” is part of the Project ChildSafe program, which NSSF launched in 1998. S.A.F.E. is an acronym for Secure your firearms when not in use; Be Aware of those around you who should not have unauthorized access to firearms; Focus on your responsibility as a firearm owner and Educate yourself and others about safe firearm handling and storage. Project ChildSafe emphasizes safely securing firearms when they are not in use as the #1 way to prevent firearm accidents.

To complement DNR’s hunter safety programs, NSSF has made several resources available. These include:

* Tips and guidelines on safe firearm handling

* An infographic with guidelines on a variety of firearm storage options

* Information on where to get a free firearm safety kit including a cable-style gun lock