Wisconsin Hunter's Safety Practice Exam

How should you store your hunting firearm when not in use?

1. Unloaded and locked away from children

2. Loaded and within easy reach

3. In the trunk of a vehicle

4. Open and visible to deter theft

The correct answer is: Unloaded and locked away from children

Storing your hunting firearm unloaded and locked away from children is the safest practice and aligns with responsible firearm ownership. This approach minimizes the likelihood of accidents, especially in a home where children may have access to the area. By ensuring the firearm is unloaded, the risk of unintentional discharge is greatly reduced. Additionally, locking the firearm away prevents unauthorized access, making it significantly harder for children or unauthorized individuals to handle the firearm, which is crucial for maintaining safety in your home environment. The other options do not promote safe storage practices. Keeping a firearm loaded and within easy reach increases the risk of accidents and misuse. Storing it in the trunk of a vehicle may not provide adequate security or environmental protection, while leaving a firearm open and visible does not effectively deter theft and invites potential danger. Hence, the chosen answer reflects the best practices for firearm safety and security.