Students gathered on the front lawn of the John F. Gibson University Center Wednesday, Nov. 7 for “Don’t Get Loaded Before You Hunt” paintball targets shoot.

   Students wore “Fatal Vision” impairment glasses, similar to ones used in driving simulators from previous campus events, and tried to hit the bulls-eye of a large plywood target.

   Donna Allison, a senior business major, took a turn shooting and said the difference was astonishing.

    “It is weird looking out of the goggles,” Allison said. “But it does give you the idea not to shoot while drinking.”

   The event drew students that both participated and commented on their ability to do the deed as they passed by. Participating students received “Responsible ATV Use,” “Helping Hunters Become Sportsmen” and “Firearms Responsibility at Home and in Camp” pamphlets.

   The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunter Education pamphlet “Helping Hunters Become Sportsman” focuses on hunting issues beyond alcoholic impairment.

   Hunter's Education started in 1950. Today more than half of the states in the U.S. have mandatory hunter’s education courses. Since instituting hunter’s education, hunting fatalities related to firearms have decreased by approximately 35 – 40 percent.

   Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1968 must successfully complete a hunter’s education course. The only exception for this law is for a hunter under 16-years old and under the direct supervision of a licensed 21-year old.

   According to the pamphlet the 10 Commandments of Firearm Safety are:     

1. Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun.

2. Watch that muzzle. Carry your gun safely; keep safety on until ready to shoot.

3. Unload guns when not in use, take down or have actions open; guns should be carried in cases to your shooting area.

4. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions, and you have ammunition only of the proper size for the gun you carry.

5. Be sure of target before you pull the trigger; know identifying features of the game you hunt.

6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot; avoid all horseplay.

7. Never climb a tree or fence, nor should you jump a ditch with a loaded gun; never pull a gun toward you by the muzzle.

8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water; at target practice be sure your backstop is adequate.

9. Store guns and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children.

10. Avoid all alcoholic beverages before or during shooting.

   “Responsible ATV Use,” by Joe Huggins, says Arkansas led the nation in ATV sales in 1994. Since most of the ATVs are still in use Arkansans should be aware of the dangers.

   By following the safety practices mentioned you can lessen your chance of an ATV accident:

• Take an ATV approved training course. Many retailers give discounts for successful completion. Ask the dealer for information on the next available course

• Always read and follow the owner’s manual you receive upon purchasing your ATV. Make and extra effort to pay attention to all warnings within the manual

• Never ride with a passenger on your ATV. Make an extra effort to pay attention to all warnings within the manual

• Always wear proper safety equipment while operating your ATV. This equipment includes but is not limited to gloves, boots, long sleeves, long pants, eye protection and an approved helmet

• Control your need for speed. Always operate your ATV at a safe speed.

• Always transport firearms unloaded and in a secured case or rack mounted to the ATV so as not to interfere with the ATV’s safe operation. The case will protect your firearm from being damaged while being transported.

• Transporting wildlife, such as deer, could limit your control of the ATV. If you transport game on an ATV, special care should be taken with handling and speed.

      Terri Richardson, director of Student Health Services and exercise center, said, “The pamphlets give students something that may cause them to be safer when they hunt. That is what we hope.”