Alaska Gun Safety

Gun Safety in Alaska

Guns are a part of every day life for many Alaskan residents. Alaska has many opportunities for fishing, hunting, kayaking, photography, and just about anything an outdoors person could ask for but with this abundance of nature comes the threat of wildlife. In Alaska, it is not only important to safely store and operate your firearm, but to know and understand the risks wildlife can pose---and how to react.

Know Your Firearm

Each type of firearm operates slightly differently, specific to the brand and model. Even if you have extensive history in firearm safety, it is always important to unload and familiarize yourself with the weapon before operating it. If your firearm did not come with an owners manual, contact the gun manufacturer for specific safety information related to your rifle or handgun. Finally, it is recommended that you visit a firing range to become comfortable firing the weapon.

Gun Cleaning and Operating

One cause for jams and misfires on all types of firearms is improper cleaning. When a weapon is fired, a trigger applies pressure to a primer, which creates a small explosion, pushing the bullet out through the barrel. This explosion leaves gun powder residue, a black, messy substance, which will eventually build up and effect the spin of the bullet. If left uncleaned after several uses, this can pose a safety hazard by causing misfires.

Gun Safety Among Alaskan Wildlife

The most important safety rule when entering the great outdoors of Alaska is awareness. Humans may have the advantage of tools and intelligence over wildlife, but humans lack fine-tuned senses to become aware of threats. Many times animals attack out of self defense, not hunger; this means if an animal attacks, it is most likely caused by lack of awareness of the situation. Seeing, hearing and smelling surroundings are key to outdoor safety.

Bear Protection in Alaska

Bear smelling surroundings

Of the wildlife in Alaska, the biggest safety concern is bears. Bears can be unpredictable, and especially around rivers, where humans and bears compete for fish. Bears can be territorial---especially if you catch a fish they were hoping to catch. If you choose to protect yourself with a firearm, select a .357 caliber handgun at a minimum, though many Alaskans would never carry less than a .45 pistol or a slug-loaded shotgun.

Gun Storage and Children

Alaskan wildlife is unpredictable, and a firearm may be your best defense in any place you may encounter wild game. At home, however, it is crucial to keep your gun unloaded and locked up, especially in homes where children live or visit. Many firearms come with a key locking mechanism, but for extra security, a variety of gun manufacturers sell more secure cable-based gun locking systems. Also, keep the firearm stored out of reach and sight.

References

• NRA: Gun Safety Rules
• Alaska Department of Natural Resources: Bear Safety
• University of Michigan Health System: Gun Safety for Kids and Youth