Maine Firearm Hunter Safety Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

The first rule of gun safety is to keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the most critical rule because it ensures that even if an accidental discharge were to occur, no one would be harmed as long as the gun is pointed in a safe direction. This rule is fundamental to preventing accidents and injuries when handling firearms. Remember, always treat every gun as if it is loaded, and never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot.

Option B, always wear ear and eye protection, is an important safety practice, but it is not the first rule of gun safety. Eye and ear protection are essential to prevent injuries while shooting, but they come after ensuring the gun is pointed in a safe direction.

Option C, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, is another crucial rule of gun safety, but it follows the rule of keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction. By keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, you reduce the risk of an accidental discharge.

Option D, ensure the gun is unloaded when not in use, is also a significant safety practice, but it is not the first rule of gun safety. Ensuring the gun is unloaded when not in use is important to prevent accidents during handling and storage, but it is not the primary rule to follow when handling a firearm.