What is the first step you should take when hauling your firearm into a tree stand?

• A. Unload the firearm and open the action.
• B. Load the firearm to be ready.
• C. Keep it cocked while carrying.
• D. Point it toward your unit.

Answer: (A)

Safe handling starts with making the firearm incapable of firing. The first step is to unload the firearm and open the action, so you can visually confirm the chamber is empty and there’s no round in the chamber or magazine. This ensures you won’t have a live round ready to fire as you climb, handle gear, or move around the tree stand, where slips or snags could cause an accidental discharge. While carrying, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger. Loading it or leaving it cocked introduces a real risk during movement, and pointing it toward yourself or others is never safe. By starting with the weapon unloaded and the action open, you establish a safe baseline before any movement into the stand.