If this rule is broken, someone will get hurt. Whenever the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, an accidental or intentional discharge will not hurt anyone.
Always treat a gun as though it's loaded, even if you know it's not. This helps develop natural safe gun handling skills.
Never fire a gun that has dirt or other obstructions in the muzzle end of the barrel. If a bullet can't leave the barrel, the gun will explode.
Never point a gun at anyone, loaded or unloaded. Before you squeeze the trigger be absolutely sure what you are firing at is clear. There's no taking back a bullet.
When not using a gun, unload it. Do not ever keep a loaded gun in your vehicle, home, or while walking and hunting. Accidental shootings cannot happen with an unloaded gun.
Guns are mechanical instruments and safeties can fail. Save yourself a lifetime of misery and never point a gun at anyone or anything you don't intend to shoot.
Pass your gun to your hunting partner before attempting to cross obstacles and always do so, in a safe manner, ensuring the gun isn't loaded. While in a tree stand, ensure the gun is empty, tie a rope around the grip so that the muzzle points downward, and then hoist it into the stand.
Bullets can ricochet and travel back to the shooter, or someone else. They also can pass through water at considerable distances, so never shoot into the water or at items floating in the water.
Lock the storage cases for both your guns and ammo, ensuring that they are always stored separately.
Alcohol, and some prescription drugs can impair a shooters judgment and movement. If the warning label says not to drive or operate machinery, then most certainly you should not operate a firearm. Stay away from and report any individuals using firearms while consuming alcohol or drugs.