Nothing is as exciting as settling into the maimai for duck season. But a good bag, and a safe, enjoyable day has nothing to do with luck. So don’t wing it.

The maimai is full of friends, family and maybe even the dog. Keeping yourself, and everyone in your group safe, takes just a few simple steps. We recommend having someone take charge of safety. Then agree on the plan, so everyone knows what to do before the first ducks arrive.

The person stepping-up on safety should insist everyone keeps to the seven basic rules of firearms safety. People in the maimai need to treat every shotgun as loaded. And of course, save any drinks until after the guns are locked away for the day.