You must know and understand these 7 rules if you handle firearms.

Avoid making common mistakes when handling firearms

The three most common times when incidents with firearms happen are:

  • during initial contact with the firearm, before it’s put to its intended use
  • during a hunting trip, when the shooter misidentifies their target, and
  • after a shooting or hunting trip, when it’s time to return the firearm to the vehicle or storage.

To play your part in avoiding firearms incidents, always follow these rules, and insist others do the same.

Check the Firearms Safety Code for more detailed guidance:

Firearms Safety Code

Rule 1: Treat every firearm as loaded

This rule is to create a mindset so every time you handle a firearm, you treat it as loaded.

  • Always carry out safety precautions and check every firearm yourself
  • Never point a firearm at yourself or any other person.

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 1: Treat every firearm as loaded. 

The next screen is a shot of New Zealand bush, with the camera pulling away. A red ute is driving through water, and parks outside a hutt. Two men exit the car and talk to each other.

Hunter 1 gestures towards the bush.

Hunter# 1 "We picked the weather for it mate!"

Hunter #2 "Not too bad"

Hunter #1 "It's a real good spot. There'll be 
some animals out here for sure."

Hunter #2 "Yeah surely aye. Gotta be"

Hunter #1 "We'll get you onto one. 
Let's get these guns out."

Hunter 1 and 2 walk back to the boot of the ute to unload.

Hunter #1 "Where'd you put the guns?"

The ute of the car shows backpacks and jackets.

Hunter #2 "It's one of these new rules.
You've got to keep them all covered up."

Hunter #1 "True?"

Hunter #1 "Let's get these sorted first.

Both men take a locked case each out of the car and lay them on the ground.

Hunter 1 unlocks his case and lifts his firearm out of the case to demonstrate that his firearm is unloaded.

Hunter 1 "Sweet bro I'll just prove 
to you that mine's unloaded."

Hunter #2 "Yep, clear."

Hunter #1 "Choice. Show me yours?

Hunter 2 lifts his firearm out of his case and shows Hunter #1 that his firearm is unloaded.

Hunter 1 "Yeah nice mate."

Let's just start off with bolts in nothing in the chamber and empty mags on aye?"

Hunter #2 "Yep, righto."

Both men proceed to put their firearms over their shoulders.

Next shot shows the bush before returning to both men in the frame talking to each other.

Hunter #1 "You all good"

Hunter #2 "Yeah mate, sorted." 

Hunter #1 "Grab the rest of our gear aye?

Reckon we got everything?"

I've got a PLB, head lamp, jacket, ammo ....

Hunter #2 "Ammo!"

Hunter #2 walks towards the ute to retrieve the ammo.

Hunter #1 "Sweet! Lucky we checked."

Hunter #2 opens the car door, takes his firearm off his shoulder, rests it against the vehicle, leans into the vehicle to get the ammunition from the glove box with his left hand, and puts his right hand over the muzzle.

Hunter #1 "Woah Nick. Watch that hand over the muzzle man,
remember the first rule, treat every firearm as loaded."

Hunter #2 closes the car door, and lifts his firearm strap over his shoulder.

Hunter #2 "Mate, we just cleared it over there just before, like two minutes ago."

Hunter #1 "Yeah we did clear it but it's a bad habit to get into. You never know when it's going to bite ya."

Hunter #2 "Yeah, fair play."

Hunter #1 "Sweet. No worries. Let's go."

Both men walk away from the ute, towards the bush.

Text appears over the men slowly walking towards the bush. Text says:

Rule 1: Treat every firearm as loaded.

Always carry out safety precautions and check every firearm yourself. Never point a firearm at yourself or any other person.

End screen is green and the text says

For more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

Facebook icon firearmssafetyauthoritynz. Te Tari Pūreke logo, Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority.

Fades out.

Rule 2: Always point firearms in a safe direction

Loaded or unloaded, always point the firearm muzzle in a safe direction. This means that if the worst happens and the firearm unintentionally discharges, no one will be injured.

  • A safe direction will depend on your environment and requires constant assessment.
  • Use an area that will absorb the projectile – not a hard surface.

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 2: Always point firearms in a safe direction.

The next screen is a shot of New Zealand bush, with the camera pulling away. Two men are walking into the bush. One man kneels down and gestures to the other man to come and have a look. Both men are kneeling down. On the ground there are fresh droppings.  One man touches the droppings to see if they are warm.

Hunter 1: "Hey Nick. 

Some pretty fresh sign here."

Nick: "Yeah yeah"

"We're in the hunting area now so probably a good time to go into the load state."

Nick: "OK. Should I put one in the chamber as well?"

Hunter 1:"Oh I wouldn't put one in the chamber just yet."

Nick: "OK."

Hunter 1: "You'll have first shot. 
I'll stay in the unload."
 
Nick: "OK. Cheers for that."
 
Both men stand up. Nick takes his firearm out from over his shoulder to put it into the load state. 

Nick: "How's this for safe direction?"
 
Hunter 1 gestures to the side, into a bank.

Hunter 1: "I reckon your better option is probably into the bank here. Out that way you don't know where the bullet is going to go." 

Camera pans into the bank, back to Nick's firearm as he prepares to load a bullet into the chamber of the rifle.

Nick: "Yep."

Hunter 1: "All good?"

Nick:"Yeah mate.

Hunter 1:  "I'll let you go in front.Remember to keep your muzzle pointing in a safe direction."

Both men walk towards the hunting area

Green screen pans over the men. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Rule 2: Always point firearms in a safe direction. A safe direction will depend on your environment and requires constant assessment. Use an area that will absorb the projectile - not a hard surface.

Final screen says for more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz, Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo, firearmssafetyauthoritynz Facebook logo.

Rule 3: Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire

The purpose of this rule is to remind you to chamber a live cartridge into a firearm only when appropriate, such as:

  • when you expect to encounter game animals
  • when you are about to discharge the firearm, for example, on a shooting range.

If the situation changes, such as leaving the immediate hunting area or you’ve finished shooting, then either return your firearm to the load state or fully unload it.

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 3: Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire.

The next screen is a shot of New Zealand bush, with a drone camera pulling away. Two male hunters are walking into the bush away from the camera. One carries a firearm on his back.

The scene changes to show the men approaching a clearing. They both pull out binoculars and look through them. The next shot is a close up of the hunters talking. 

Hunter 1: "This looks like a real likely spot."

Hunter 2 nods.

Hunter 1: "In fact, I think I see one."

Hunter 1 puts his binoculars up to his face. The scene changes to a view through binoculars of a clearing panning down. 

Hunter 2: "Whereabouts?"

The camera comes to rest on a fallow doe in the clearing.

Hunter 1: "Directly to our front..."

The scene changes back to show both hunters now using their binoculars.

Hunter 1: "...about 150 metres. Just past that tree, you'll see a fallow doe. 

The scene changes back to the view of the fallow doe through the binoculars.

Hunter 2: "Oh yep. That's what the farmer said to take." 

The scene changes back to show the hunters using their binoculars.

Hunter 1: "Yeah nice. We'll move to a place where we've got a good shot on her and then we'll chamber a round."
 
Hunter 2: "Ok."

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a green background. It reads: "In a hunting group, only the person in front should have their firearm in the LOAD STATE."

The next shot is of Hunter 2 walking through the scrub with his firearm in his hands, pointing downwards. Hunter 1 is walking behind him with his firearm still on his back.

The scene changes again as the hunters approach a new spot in the bush. The white text remains at the bottom of the screen.

Hunter 1: "Yeah, just in here man, this looks like a primo spot."

The white text disappears from screen.
 
The camera angle changes to show both men from the front, cautiously approaching an area of scrub. Hunter 2 places his firearm on a small rise in front and kneels down behind the rise to take off his backpack. Hunter 1 kneels behind the rise and looks through his binoculars. The view changes back to the doe feeding in the clearing.

Hunter 1: "She's still there ... feeding away...  no rush." 
 
The next shot is from behind the hunters as they kneel against the grassy knoll. Hunter 1 is looking through his binoculars as Hunter 2 removes his backpack.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a green background. It reads: "Chamber a cartridge only when expecting to encounter animals or when ready to shoot."

The camera angle changes again to show Hunter 2 placing his backpack in front of him on the grassy rise.

Hunter 1: "She's just on the edge of the bush near the top of the clearing." 
 
The next shot is from some distance away, showing the side of a large hill covered in trees and grasses. An animal that might be a deer can be seen at the very top of the hill. 

The point of view angle changes back to behind the hunters as they kneel against the grassy knoll. Hunter 2 has his firearm ready while Hunter 1 is still looking through his binoculars.

Hunter 1: "Chamber a round when you're ready."

The next scene is a close up of a firearm being loaded with a round by Hunter 2.  On the screen is a small dark green banner with white text that reads: "ACTION STATE". The banner has a white line leading from it to the firearm action. 

Once the firearm is loaded and checked the banner disappears and the point of view angle changes to a close up of both hunters in front. Hunter 1 is looking through his binoculars while Hunter 2 is looking throught the scope of his firearm while he holds it on top of the backpack in front of him.

Hunter 1: "You see it?" 

Hunter 2: "Nah, whereabouts?"

The scene changes back to the view of the fallow doe through the binoculars. It moves off and away from the clearing.

Hunter 1: "Ah she's towards the top, but she's actually just moving into the bush now."  

The next shot shows the hunters from the front again. Hunter 1 is looking up towards the hill while Hunter 2 is looking throught the scope of his firearm while he holds it on top of the backpack in front of him.

Hunter 1: "Oh bugger. No harm done." 

The next shot is from some distance away, showing the side of a large hill covered in trees and grasses. There is no animal in sight.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a green background. It reads: "If the situation changes, remember to return to the LOAD STATE."

Hunter 1: "There'll be more."
 
The next shot is of the hunters from the back. Hunter 2 retrieves his backpack and puts it on his shoulder. The scene changes again to show the hunters standing. Hunter 2 has his firearm in his hands and is turned away from the camera. Hunter 1 is facing the camera.

Hunter 2: "Should we go check that other spot?"     
 
Hunter 1: "Oh yep, yep." Hunter 1 points to the firearm in Hunter 2's hands. 

Hunter 1: "What state are you in?"

The white text disappears from the screen.

Hunter 2: "Uh... action."
 
Hunter 1: "It's best to take the round out of the chamber while we walk up this track. We'll go back to the load state."

The next shot is a close up of the firearm in Hunter 2's hands as he opens the action.

Hunter 2: "Ok."

Hunter 1 (off camera): "Better to play it safe." 

The next shot shows Hunter 2 removing the magazine from the firearm and placing it on the ground.

Hunter 1: "I don't think we're going to bump into anything up here."

The next shot is a close up of the firearm in Hunter 2's hands as he opens the chamber and removes the ammunition. On the screen is a small dark green banner with white text that reads: "Remove the cartridge from your chamber". The banner has a white line leading from it to the firearm chamber. 

The scene changes to show the two hunters standing, with Hunter 2 checking his firearm closely. The shot changes to a close up of the firearm as Hunter 2 replaces the magazine. The shot changes again to show the hunters about to leave the location. Hunter 2 is carrying his firearm in his hands, pointed towards the ground.

Hunter 1: "All good?"

Hunter 2: "Yeah."

Hunter 1: "Yeah sweet man. You lead out. The hunters turn away from the camera and walk off through the bush. The next scene shows the hunters entering a small clearing. FADES.

(Green screen fades in over the men. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text in large writing says "Rule 3: Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire." Smaller text below reads: "Chamber a cartridge only when expecting to encounter game animals or when you are about to discharge the firearm." More text appears below that reads: "If the situation changes, such as leaving the immediate hunting area, then either return your firearm to the LOAD STATE or fully UNLOAD it." 
 
Final screen says: "For more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz", Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo, firearmssafetyauthoritynz Facebook logo.

Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt

This rule is critical for shooters to follow, as the consequences of failing to fully identify your target beyond all doubt can be immediate and catastrophic.

  • Take time to analyse your target – is this definitely the type of animal I’m hunting? Is it a stag or hind (how old, what species)? Could this be a person in my hunting area?
  • Never fire at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.
  • If in any doubt, do not shoot!

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt.

The next screen is a shot of New Zealand bush, with a drone camera zooming across and above the ridge. The scene changes to a close-up of a tree branch and two persons out of focus on the background. The camera focuses in to show us two male hunters walking in the bush towards the camera. The one in front carries a firearm in his hands, pointed down to the ground. The one behind has a small backpack strapped to his chest. Both hunters wear orange safety vests and orange caps.

The camera perspective changes to show us the scene from behind the hunters, who have their backs to the camera. One hunter is carrying a large backpack.

Hunter 1: "This is a nice fresh wallow in here man."

The camera focuses in on the muddy wallow in front of them.

Hunter 1: "I've got heaps of faith something's going to come out of the bush."

The shot changes to show a close up of the two men from the front.

Hunter 1: "I'll get my roar aye?"

Hunter 2: "Yeah, yeah"

Hunter 1 puts a device to his mouth and makes a sound that mimics an animal roar. The camera angle changes to focus on the wallow while the hunter is roaring.

[Roar]

The shot changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. The shot changes back to the wallow from behind the two men.

Hunter 1: "Surely, surely one's gonna come down."

[Roar returned]

The shot changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 has his firearm in his hands, pointing upwards to the sky.

Hunter 1: "Did you hear that? Did you hear it?"

Hunter 2: "Yeah yeah. That's something"

The camera angle changes to filming behind Hunter 1, with the camera focused on the clearing near the wallow.

Hunter 1: "They're thrashing away."

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 brings his firearm up and looks through the scope.

Hunter 2: "That kanuka's moving, I can see movement."
 
At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Take time to analyse your target - Can you see the whole animal? Is it a male or female?"

The camera angle changes to a close up behind Hunter 1 again, with the camera focused on the clearing near the wallow.. What looks like the head of a deer can be seen poking through the kanuka bush.

The camera angle changes slightly to show us the scene from behind the hunters, who have their backs to the camera.

Hunter 2: "I'll take the shot."
 
Hunter 1: "Nah nah nah, can you see him fully?"

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 has his firearm up and is looking through the scope.

Hunter 2: "Nah."

Hunter 1: "Don't just shoot at movement bro."
 
The camera angle changes back to behind the hunters, who have their backs to the camera.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Never fire at sound, shape, colour or movement alone."

The camera angle changes to a close up behind Hunter 1 again, with the camera focused on the clearing near the wallow. What looks like the head of a deer can just be seen through the kanuka bush.

Hunter 1: "Gotta make sure we can clearly identify our target beyond all doubt."
 
The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 still has his firearm up and aimed.

Hunter 2: "He might get away."
  
The camera angle changes to a close up behind Hunter 1 again, with the camera focused on the clearing near the wallow. 

Hunter 1: "Nah nah, don't worry about that. He'll come out. It's not worth it."
 
The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 still has his firearm up and aimed.

Hunter 1: "You don't want to take a shot and regret it for the rest of your life."

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from behind. Hunter 2 still has his firearm up and aimed.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Remember that other people could be in your same area."

The camera angle changes to a close up behind the hunters, focused on the kanuka bush.

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 still has his firearm up and is looking through the scope.

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

Hunter 1: "He'll come out soon, he'll come out soon. I'll give him another one."

Hunter 1 brings a roar caller to his mouth and blows. 

[Roar]

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Ask yourself: 'Could this be another hunter?' If in any doubt, do not shoot!"

The camera focuses back on the kanuka bush. Something can be seen moving behind it.

Hunter 2: "Here he comes bro."

Hunter 1: "You good?"

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

The scene changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 2 still has his firearm up and is looking through the scope.
 
Hunter 2: "Yeah, I still see movement."

The next shot is looking through a firearm scope, with a cross hair pattern clearly visible in front of the kanuka bush. A man holding a firearm and wearing a beanie slowly emerges from behind the bush.

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front.

Hunter 1: "Shit stop! Oi mate! What the hell are you doing?

The camera angle changes to a close up behind the hunters, focused on the kanuka bush and the man emerging from it. 

The camera angle changes back to a close up of the two men from the front. Hunter 1 has an annoyed expression and is holding his hand up questioningly.

The next shot focuses on the man who has just emerged from the bush carrying a firearm and a sheepish expression. He is also a hunter but is not wearing any brightly coloured safety clothing. He holds his hand up to wave at the two men. The scene fades to black

The next scene shows the two hunters standing in front of the camera, speaking with the intruding hunter who is off camera to the left. Their firearms are packed away on their backs.

Hunter 1: "What's your excuse? Why the hell are you on our block? 

The camera angle changes to focus on the intruder as he speaks with the hunters. He has his hands in his pockets. The hunters have their backs to the camera.

Intruding hunter: "Sorry mate. I left a message on the cocky's answer phone but, he can't have got it."

The camera angle changes back to the two hunters.

Hunter 1: "Well you're lucky that we're following the rules."

(Green screen fades in over the men. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text in large writing says "Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt." More text appears below that reads: "Take time to analyse your target. Never fire at sound, shape, colour or movement alone. Remember that other people could be in your same area. If in any doubt, do not shoot!"
 
Final screen says: "For more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz", Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo, firearmssafetyauthoritynz Facebook logo.

Rule 5: Check your firing zone

A firing zone is the area that a projectile travels through and may land in after being discharged from a firearm towards a target. It depends on many factors, including the type and calibre of firearm, the ammunition fired, the game being hunted, the environment and hunting strategy being used.

  • Before you shoot, ask yourself: “What could happen if I miss my target?”
  • Be aware of the area between you and your target, and the area beyond the target.
  • Your firing zone is constantly changing, especially when following a moving target.
  • Remember projectiles can travel very long distances.
  • Never shoot at a target on the skyline.
  • If you cannot ensure your firing zone is safe, do not fire!

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 5: Check your firing zone

The next screen is a shot of New Zealand bush, with two men wearing orange caps emerging from behind trees. The camera angle changes to show a close up of the first man. He's carrying a firearm pointed downwards and appears to be a hunter.

As he moves towards the camera, we see a second man, also a hunter, coming up on the trail behind him. He is also carrying a firearm, but on his back.

The camera angle changes to show the men approaching a clearing. The next shot is from behind Hunter 1, who is crouched down on the ground in front of the clearing. He looks through his binoculars.

The camera angle changes again to show the clearing and the men crouched down in the foreground, with their backs to camera. Hunter 2 is looking through his binoculars. Hunter 1 sets his binoculars down.

Hunter 2: "Hey mate, just a bit down off the ridge by the patch of scrub. You see it? 

Hunter 1 picks his binoculars back up again and looks through them.

The next shot is a close up in front of the hunters. They are both kneeling on the ground looking through their binoculars.

Hunter 1: "Yeah I do see it."

The next shot is a view through binoculars up through a ridge. A fallow deer can be seen at the top of the ridge. Gentle rain is falling.

Hunter 2: "Yeah sweet I'll take the shot."

The scene changes back to a close up in front of the hunters. They are both kneeling on the ground and Hunter 2 is looking through his binoculars.

Hunter 1: "Oh I'm not happy with that firing zone mate."

The camera angle changes again to show the men crouched down in the foreground, with their backs to camera. Hunter 2 is looking through his binoculars. 

Hunter 1: "Just jump out of your binos for a second. Have a look."
 
The next shot is a wide angle drone shot from above and behind the hunters, looking down as they kneel on the ground looking at the ridge line.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Before you shoot, ask yourself: 'What could happen if I miss my target?"

The scene changes back to the drone flying over the top of the men and across the clearing towards the ridge. The drone footage speeds up until it reaches the top of the ridgeline and over the other side. We can hear a dog barking and see another ridge in the distance. 

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

The drone footage speeds up and then slows to zoom in on a farmer walking across the second ridge, whistling to his dog who runs to join him.

The scene changes back to show the men crouched down in the foreground, with their backs to camera. 

Hunter 1: "We don't know where the bullet's going to end up if it were to pass over the top."

Hunter 2: "Yeah. Fair point. I had a bit of the old tunnel 
vision going on, I just had my mind on the deer."

The next shot is a close up in front of the hunters. They are both kneeling on the ground and have binoculars in their hands as they look off camera towards the ridge line.

Hunter 1: "Nah all good, all good. We'll just let it feed down a little bit..."

The next shot is a view through binoculars up through the ridge. A fallow deer can be seen at the top of the ridge. A small dark green banner with white text appears on screen. The text reads: "Never shoot at a target on the skyline." The banner has a white line leading from it to the deer.

Hunter 1: "...or uh have a look for another one."

The scene changes back to show the men crouched down in the foreground, with their backs to camera. Hunter 2 is looking through his binoculars.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Be aware of the area between you and your target, and the area beyond the target."

Hunter 2: "Yeah sweet." 

The next shot is focused on the ridgeline in the distance, with the hunters out of focus in the foreground, with their backs to the camera. The scene changes to show footage from the drone, high up above the men. The ridge can be seen in the distance.

A white circle appears on-screen, containing close-up footage of the deer moving along the top of the ridge, against the skyline.

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

Another white circle appears, containing close-up footage of the farmer walking with his dogs on the far ridge. A dog can be heard barking in the distance. 

Each circle has a white line pointing back from it to the ridge line where the fallow deer was spotted. 

A transparent red funnel shape appears in mid screen between the two circles, representing the direct line of sight that the hunters have up to the top of the ridge.

The scene changes to drone footage panning high across a valley covered in trees and bushland.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Remember projectiles can travel very long distances."

The next shot is a close up of the two hunters walking through bush. Hunter 2 is in front, carrying his firearm, which is pointed downwards.

The scene changes back to drone footage panning high across a hillside. A river can be seen running through the valley at the bottom of the hill.

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

The next shot is a close up from behind the two hunters in a new location, crouched down in the foreground, with their backs to camera. A large grassy hill can be seen in the distance. Hunter 1 is looking through his binoculars.

Hunter 2: "I've got one."

The camera angle changes to show a close up in front of the hunters. Hunter 2 is lying on the ground looking through the scope of his firearm pointed ahead at a target. Hunter 1 is kneeling upwards, looking through binoculars towards the grassy hill.

Hunter 1: "You happy with that deer mate? 

The next shot is a view through binoculars towards the grassy hill. A fallow deer can be seen grazing on the hill. It's raining lightly.

Hunter 2: "Yeah fallow doe, just turning side on now."

The camera angle changes back to a close up in front of the hunters. Hunter 2 is lying on the ground looking through the scope of his firearm pointed ahead at a target. Hunter 1 is kneeling upwards, looking through binoculars towards the grassy hill.

Hunter 1: "Nice. Where are you going to place the shot?"

The next scene is a view through the firearm scope, with crosshairs focused on a fallow deer grazing on the grass. It's raining lightly.

Hunter 2: "Just behind the shoulder."

Hunter 1: "Perfect." 

The camera angle changes back to a close up in front of the hunters who are now standing. Hunter 1 is standing behind Hunter 1, looking at the target through his binoculars. Hunter 2 has his firearm raised and pointed towards his target. He's looking through the firearm scope.

Hunter 1: "You happy with your firing zone? Just have a check."

The camera zooms in slightly. Hunter 2 takes his eye away from the firearm scope to view his firing zone from a distance.

Hunter 2: "Yeah mate. Big hill - it's all clear." 

Hunter 1: "Nice..."

The shot changes back to a close up from behind the two hunters in the foreground, with their backs to camera. A large grassy hill can be seen in the distance. Hunter 1 is looking through his binoculars and Hunter 2 is pointing his firearm up towards the hill.

Hunter 1: "...when you're ready bro."

The scene changes to show a close up of a firearm in the hands of someone.

A small dark green banner with white text appears on screen. The text reads: "INSTANT STATE" The banner has a white line leading from it to the firearm action. The person holding the firearm moves it into an action state. 

The scene changes again to show a close up of a person with their finger through a firearm trigger. The next shot is a super close up of Hunter 2's eye as he moves to look through the firearm scope.

The next scene is a view through the firearm scope, with crosshairs focused on a fallow deer grazing on the grass. 

The scene changes to a view behind Hunter 2's shoulder as he lies on the ground with his firearm aimed at the target. He takes a shot.

[BANG]

The shot rings out across the valley.

The camera angle changes back to a close up in front of the hunters. Hunter 1 is standing behind Hunter 1, looking at the target through his binoculars. Hunter 2 still has his firearm raised and pointed towards the target. He's looking through the firearm scope.

Hunter 1: "Nice mate! Solid hit. She's down."

Hunter 2 stops looking through his firearm scope and lowers it, grinning widely. Hunter 1 lowers his binoculars and smiles back at Hunter 2 who turns to grin at him.

Hunter 1: "Nice work! 

Hunter 2: "Ha ha, yeah bro!" 

The scene changes back to drone footage panning high across the hillside. A river can be seen running through the valley at the bottom of the hill.

Hunter 1: "We'll go her her aye?"

Hunter 2: "Yeah."

(Green screen fades in over the men. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text in large writing says "Rule 5: Check your firing zone." More text appears below that reads: "Be aware of the area between you and your target, and the area beyond the target. Before you shoot, ask yourself: 'What could happen if I miss my target?' Never shoot at a target on the skyline."
 
Final screen says: "For more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz", Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo, firearmssafetyauthoritynz Facebook logo.

Rule 6: Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely

When travelling with a firearm, you need to:

  • fully unload the chamber, breech and magazine
  • make it inoperable by removing the bolt/other vital part, or by fitting a trigger/cable lock, and/or store it in a locked case
  • conceal it from view in the vehicle
  • store and secure ammunition separately.

Learn more about storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition.

Storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 6: Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely.

The next screen is a shot of a drone filming high above a bush track, away from dense scrub.

The scene changes to show two hunters standing at the back of a red vehicle. The vehicle has the tailgate down and the hatch open.

The hunters bend down together to pick up the carcass of a fallow deer that is lying on the ground behind the vehicle. They place the deer inside the vehicle and turn to face each other.

Hunter 1: "Nice bro. Should we unload and secure the firearms before we hit the road back to the cottage?"

Hunter 2: "Yeah man sweet as. I'll grab the ammo and chuck it in the glove box."

Hunter 1: "Perfect. I'll secure the firearms in their cases, put the bolts..." 

The camera angle changes to a wide screen. At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "When travelling with firearms, you need to:"

Hunter 1: "and magazine in the top of my pack."
 
Hunter 2: "Too easy."

Hunter 1: "Cool man."

The hunters walk away from the camera towards the front of the vehicle.

The scene changes to show a close up of a firearm being unloaded.
 
At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Fully unload the chamber, breech and magazine."

The scene changes to show a firearm sitting in a gun case. It has a yellow safety flag attached to the firearm chamber.

The scene changes again to show a close up of a hunter unzipping a backpack pocket. He places firearm bolts and a firearm magazine inside the pocket of the backpack.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Make it inoperable by removing the bolt/other vital part, or by fitting a trigger/cable lock."

The hunter zips up the pocket of the backpack. The scene changes back to a close up of the firearm sitting unloaded on top of the gun case. A hunter closes and clips shut the gun case. The camera then zooms in to show the hunter attaching a coded padlock to the gun case.

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "And/or store it in a locked case."

The camera then zooms out to show a wide screen view of the hunter attaching the coded padlock to the gun case.

The camera then zooms back in to show the coded padlock now attached to the gun case. The scene changes to show Hunter 1 placing the now locked gun case into the back passenger seat of the vehicle. 

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Conceal it from view in the vehicle."

The camera angle changes to inside the vehicle, where we see a close up of Hunter 1 placing the gun case in the footwell of the back passenger seat.

The camera angle changes again to outside the vehicle, where Hunter 2 hands Hunter 1 another gun case. Hunter 1 starts to place the gun case in the back of the vehicle. 

The camera angle changes back to inside the vehicle, where we see a close up of Hunter 1 placing the second gun case in the other footwell of the back passenger seat. Hunter 1 covers both gun cases with jerseys and other clothing.

At the bottom of the screen, new white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Store and secure ammunition separately."

Hunter 1 closes the vehicle door. The next shot is a close up from inside the vehicle, of Hunter 1 placing some ammunition inside the vehicle glove compartment. He closes the glove compartment and locks it with a key. He taps the compartment to make sure it's locked. 

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.
 
The scene changes to show both hunters from behind, placing backpacks into the rear compartment of the vehicle. Hunter 1 closes the tailgate as Hunter 2 walks around the side of the vehicle. 

At the bottom of the screen, white text appears on a dark green background. It reads: "Head to firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz for the full transportation rules."

Hunter 1 closes the back windscreen of the vehicle and the camera follows him as he heads to the driver's side door.

The scene changes to show the vehicle parked and then driving over the grassy bush track, towards and then past the camera. 

The text disappears off the bottom of the screen.

The camera angle changes again to show the vehicle driving slowly down a gravel road. 

(Green screen fades in over the scene. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text in large writing says "Rule 6: Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely." More text appears below that reads: "When travelling with firearms, they must be: - Fully unloaded - Made inoperable or stored in a locked case - Concealed from view. Ammunition must be kept separate and secured."
 
Final screen says: "For more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz", Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo, firearmssafetyauthoritynz Facebook logo.

Rule 7: Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

When handling a firearm, you must be able to think clearly. Alcohol and some drugs (even if prescribed) slow your mental and physical reactions.

  • There is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume and then handle a firearm safely.
  • Wait until all firearms and ammunition have been safely locked away before drinking alcohol.
  • Do not shoot with others who are, or have been, drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
  • Check with your doctor whether prescribed medications will affect your safety with firearms.

Video transcript

(Background music: welcome page with a logo of Te Tari Pūreke. There's a border on the top of the screen and the bottom of the screen which is a tohu design. Text says Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority. Seven Rules of Firearms Safety.)

Next slide has the words displayed Rule 7: Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms.

The next screen is a shot of New Zealand bush, with the camera pulling away. A hunter is seen outside a cabin with a chilly bin. He opens the chilly bin, reaches in and pulls out two bottles of beer. He goes to hand it to the other hunter who is standing up and holding his firearm case.

Hunter 1: "Hey mate, want a cold one?"

Hunter 2: "Ooh, gears before beers lad. Alcohol and firearms don't mix."

Behind the second hunter is a headless deer carcass.

Hunter 1 withdraws the second beer on offer, embarassed and goes to put both beer bottles back in the chilly bin. 

Hunter 1: "Nah all good."

Hunter 2: "We'll lock these guns away inside and then crack a cold one after that."

Hunter 1: "Yeah yeah. Good mate."

Hunter 1 picks up the other firearms case. On the bottom of the screen, a bottom banner appears with the words There is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume and then handle a firearm safely. Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo.

Next screen shows Hunter 2 unlock a cabinet, and puts his ammunition in it before locking it again. The screen after that shows two firearms being locked in a case.

The magazine and the bolt are seen being locked in a seperate locked compartment. The bottom screen says "Wait until all firearms and ammunition have been safely locked before away before alcohol. Te Tari Pūreke, Firearms Safety Authority logo.

The next screen shows three split camera angles, one showing a cupboard being locked, one showing a draw open and closed with a key placed inside, and one showing a key being place above a cupboard to keep it out of site.

Two men are then on the couch drinking beers. Behind them are two deer heads.

Hunter 1: "Hey mate that was a really good hunt, thanks very much for showing me the ropes."
Hunter 2: "No all good man next time we'll go out get one of these eh."

Gestures to the deer heads behind him. 

Hunter 2: "Yeah choice!"

Two men raise their bottles together. Next slide is the camera panning away with a green screen over top. Text says: "Rule 7: Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms. Wait until all firearms and ammunition have been safely locked away before alcohol. Do not shoot with others who are, or have been, drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Check with your doctor whether prescribed medications will affect your safety with firearms."

End screen is white with a border on the top and bottom and the text says:

"For more information visit firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

Facebook icon firearmssafetyauthoritynz. Te Tari Pūreke logo, Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority."

Fades out.

Last updated
15 November 2023

 

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