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ACHIEVEMENT PATCH PROGRAMShotgunNorth Carolina Hunter Safety Workbook
This training program is developed to teach the basicsof shotguns and shotgun shooting safety. Complete thisworkbook to become a certified member.This workbook will go through the basics of shotguns, types shotguns, how to use them, andsafety for responsible hunting practices. The topics included are: Equipment, Safety Rules,Shooting techniques, and Course Review. Complete these three steps, and you can receive anofficial North Carolina shotgun patch and certification.1Learn types of shotguns.2Learn shotgun safety rules and shooting techniques.3Mail or email the completed review page of this workbook to receive yourNorth Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council Achievement Patch andcourse completion document.Types of ShotgunsBreak Open / Over & UnderPump ActionSelf-Loading
Diagram of a ShotgunRear SightButtstockBarrelActionBolt HandleForearmGripUses of a ShotgunTriggerFront SightMuzzleMagazineDiagram of a Shotgun ShellRecreationalCompetitionHuntingPersonal ProtectionCollectingShellCaseShotCommon GaugesWad12 Gauge20 Gauge28 Gauge410 BoreEnsure you use the correctshot-shell for the specific gaugeshotgun you are shooting!Note: 20 Gauge shot-shells arealways yellow.BrassHeadGunpowderPrimerRimOutside ViewInside View
Shotgun Safety Rules – Follow At All Times1Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.2Always keep finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.3Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.4Firearms should always be unloaded when not actually in use.5Don’t rely on the gun’s safety.6Use correct ammunition.7Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.8Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.9If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care.10 Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.11Clean guns regularly.12Never use alcohol or drugs when handling your firearm.StorageFirearms should always be locked and stored so they are inaccessible to children or otherswho should not have access to them.There are various types of locks and gun safes for long guns. While they may function indifferent ways, they all prevent the gun from being fired, but only when used properly.Safety First!
Shotgun Shooting Fundamentals1Safely Carry Your FirearmIt is very important to carry your shotgunsafely while hunting. Three basic rules apply:Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safedirection and the barrel under control.Keep the safety in the “on” position whilecarrying a firearm. Only change the positionof the gun’s safety to “fire” when you areready to shoot.Always keep your finger outside thetrigger guard and off the trigger.2Find Your Dominant EyeYou need to aim your shotgun with yourdominant eye for accurate shooting. Yourdominant eye is the same as your dominanthand, but not always. You will need to find yourdominant eye before shooting your shotgun.How to determine your dominant eye: Make a triangular shapewith your hands byopening with your thumbs and forefingers. Stretch out your arms directly in frontof you. Find a distant object and focus on itwhile looking through the triangularopening – while keeping both eyes open. Slowly pull in your hands towards your face,while staying focused on the object throughthe opening; the opening will come to yourdominant eye naturally.Close one eye at a time, the weaker eye willonly see the back of your hand; your dominanteye will stay focused on the object. Goodvision is the foundation for good shooting andhunting safety. You should also get a routineeye exam.3Use Correct AmmunitionA shotgun shot or pellet is not the sameas a rifle bullet. The gauge of the shotgunand choke of the gun’s barrel can affectthe shotgun’s effective range. Be sure touse the correct gauge and shot for the typeof shooting or hunting you want to do. Forexample, a shotgun shell with #9 shot holdsmore shot/pellets than a shotgun shellpacked with #1 shot.
Shotgun Shooting Fundamentals Continued4Shouldering a ShotgunWhen you bring the shotgun to your shoulder,the stock should be brought to your cheekfirst and then back to your shoulder.A common error is lowering the head andcheek to the stock, instead of bringing thestock all the way up to the cheek. When doneproperly, with your head naturally erect, thegun butt always should come to the samespot on your shoulder.5Pointing a ShotgunBecause targets usually appear suddenlyand move quickly, there’s no time to “aim” ashotgun. It’s designed to be pointed, with theeye sighting along the top of the barrel or rib.The sight is usually a bead on the front ofthe gun. Your eye must be in line with thebarrel, so it’s important to position your headproperly on the stock.When you bring the gun to your face, thestock should fit snugly against your cheekwith your eye on that side above thecenterline of the gun. If you can’t assume thatposition comfortably, you may need to adjustthe “gun fit.”
Shotgun Shooting Positions1Standing Shooting StanceLean forward. Weld your cheek to the stockof the gun. Pull the buttstock firmly into yourshoulder. Flex your knees with feet shoulderwidth apart. Keep your elbows tucked in. Holdthe forearm of the gun firmly.3Shooting PositionBecause targets can appear suddenly andmove quickly, there’s not necessarily time to“aim” a shotgun. It’s designed to be pointedat a target, with the eye sighting along the topof the rib or barrel.A shotgun’s sight is usually a simple beadon the front of the barrel. Your eye must bein line with the barrel, so it’s important toposition your head properly on the buttstock.When you bring the gun to your face, thestock should fit snugly against your cheekwith your eye on that side above thecenterline of the gun. If you can’t assume thatposition comfortably, you may need to adjustthe “gun fit.”2KneelingKneeling can provide good stability for shotgunshooters. A steadier result comes from yourarm supported on your knee that is anchoredto the ground. This position is very stable,and can give you better clearance from loweror medium-height obstacles.
Shotgun Shooting Positions Continued4Pulling the TriggerUnlike rifle firing, quick trigger action isimportant when hunting with a shotgun.To fire, quickly slap the trigger with a firmmotion, keeping a firm grip on the shotgunwhile pulling the stock rearward.Because the trigger is pulled quickly and thebody and gun are typically in motion, breathcontrol isn’t necessary.Continue the shotgun’s swing as you pull thetrigger. Stopping the swing as you shoot willcause you to hit behind a moving target.4Leading Targets – Swing-through MethodThe two most common methods of leadingtargets at long distances are swing-throughand sustained lead.Swing-through is the best technique forthe beginner student.Point your shotgun at a moving target andswing with it. Increase the speed of the gunso that the muzzle passes the target, andthen fire. In other words, literally “swingthrough” the target and fire at a blank spacein front of the target.5Leading Targets – Sustained LeadThe sustained lead position is morechallenging because it requires moreexperience.First, estimate the length of the leadnecessary to hit the target, and maintain thatlead as you swing with the target, fire, andcontinue the swing. With practice this is avery effective method.
Let’s Review – Take the Quiz, Get that Shotgun Patch1When picking up a shotgun youshould always point the muzzle ina safe direction.8TrueTrueFalse2Firearms should always be loadedand ready for any situation.TrueFalse34You should check the barrel of yourshotgun before shooting to make sureit’s clear of obstructions.The swing-through method is the besttechnique for a beginner.TrueFalse10 Slap your shotgun’s trigger with a quickand firm motion, keeping a firm gripon the shotgun while pulling thestock rearward.FalseFalseWhen shooting a shotgun, your cheekshould be welded to the buttstock.You should always have your fingeron the trigger when holding orcarrying your shotgun.TrueFalseA shotgun’s sight is usually a simplebead on the front of the barrel.TrueFalse79TrueFalse6FalseTrueTrue5One of the many uses for a shotgunis hunting game fowl.Firearms should always be lockedand stored so they are inaccessibleto children or others who should nothave access to them.TrueFalseReview what you’ve learnedComplete this review,and mail or email it tous to receive yourofficial North CarolinaOutdoor Heritage ShotgunAchievement Patch!
Let’s Review – Take the Quiz, Get that Shotgun Patch ContinuedI have completed all of the following requirements (check off as you complete them):Pass the North Carolina Hunter Safety Course. (Please submit a picture of your cardor certificate showing you passed.)Read and complete the quiz in this North Carolina Hunter Safety Workbook.Submit pictures of patch recipient using a shotgun.By signing this page, I confirm that I have learned the safe way to shoot a shotgun.And I am ready to receive my patch. (Simply fill out this form, and mail or email it to theNorth Carolina Outdoor Advisory Council.)Patch Recipient’s InformationName of Recipient:Parent/Guardian Name:Mailing Address:Email:I, the undersigned, acknowledge that this application was completed with true and accurateinformation. Additionally, all components to achieve the patch have been completed and allnecessary documentation or pictures are included.Signature of Instructor or Parent/Guardian:Date:Please return this completed workbook along with any additional supportingdocumentation that you would like included to:By Mail:By Email:North Carolina OutdoorHeritage Advisory Council1715 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, NC 27699-1715Email a PDF or photoof this page [email protected]
5 Don’t rely on the gun’s safety. 6 Use correct ammunition. 7 Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting. 8 Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting. 9 If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care. 10 Learn the mechanical and handling c
