Should hunters rely solely on the firearm safety to prevent accidental firing?

Relying solely on firearm safety mechanisms is not advisable because these mechanisms can sometimes fail or be unintentionally disengaged. While firearm manufacturers implement various safety features to help prevent accidental discharges—the safety lever, for example—these devices are not foolproof and can be affected by factors such as wear and tear, improper maintenance, or even mechanical faults.

Moreover, a hunter's environment can lead to situations where a safety mechanism is accidentally disengaged, such as when moving through brush or encountering obstacles. Therefore, hunters must maintain constant awareness and practice safe handling habits, including keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction, keeping their finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and ensuring the firearm is unloaded when not in use. This holistic approach to safety—combining mechanical safety features with personal responsibility and best practices—greatly reduces the risk of accidental firing.