The shoulder carry is a good choice:

• A. if all other hunters are in front of you
• B. if all other hunters are behind you
• C. if all other hunters are either behind or beside you
• D. regardless of the location of other hunters

Answer: (D)

Safe firearm handling means always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and knowing where other hunters are. The shoulder carry places the rifle against the shoulder so you can keep the muzzle pointed toward the ground or along the slope, away from people. Because the muzzle direction can be kept safe no matter where others are—whether in front, behind, or to the side—it stays a consistently safe option. It also frees your hands and allows a quick transition to a firing stance if needed. The key idea is maintaining a safe muzzle direction at all times, which makes this carry reliable regardless of where nearby hunters are located.