A close call for one hunter is prompting the Department of Natural Resources to remind everyone of the dangers associated with having loaded firearms in a vehicle.

Conservation officers were conducting a routine check of a vehicle in central Newfoundland on October 9, 2009, when a firearm inside the vehicle discharged. The hunter was allegedly attempting to unload the firearm when it accidentally fired. The individual was uninjured and has been charged with two violations under the Wildlife Act for careless handling of a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

"Our conservation officers routinely find live rounds of ammunition remaining in firearms during checks of vehicles," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "We want to remind hunters to always put safety first and be responsible in the handling and storage of your firearm. It is unsafe and illegal to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle or to shoot at an animal from your vehicle. People can be injured or killed for the sake of not properly unloading your firearm."

In this most recent incident, the individual or approaching conservation officers could have been injured. The individual will appear in court in Grand Falls-Windsor on November 23, 2009.

The department reminds hunters to follow all regulations and to practice safe hunting techniques. The public is encouraged to report any information on illegal activity harmful to the province�s natural resources to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-363-TIPS (8477).

For information on reporting illegal activity, please visit www.nr.gov.nl.ca/forestry/contact/violation.htm

Copies of the Wildlife Act can be found at: www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/w08.htm

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