Revisited: My PCS Story – Safe Hunting from a Pit Blind

Donnelle Johnson and Lisa Thompson tackle safe hunting from a pit blind in a necessary effort to keep dynamic hunting fun and enjoyable for all. The descent into a pit blind quickly highlights how challenging lateral and longitudinal shooting can become, particularly with other trigger-pullers on the firing line. Safe hunting from a pit blind is paramount; and additionally, discipline and proficiency will yield fun and results.      

Understated and never overrated are all safety precautions prior to entering the pit. Proper firearm manipulation, handling and pacing can ensure that the hunt is neither unsafe nor rushed. 

After a successful firearm handoff to shooters in the pit (similar to interacting with obstacles), implement a plan on fields of fire – left flank, center and right flank – and a designated shot caller. This brings several brains into the operation and makes for a smoother experience  for all as each shooter improves their lethality working with one another. 

Often unique to fowl hunting, the majesty of pre-designated fields of fire specifically rests in its team-based mentality and the flawless handoff of targets from one shooter to the next.This is as applicable in small-unit tactics across the pond as it is to in-season hunters swelling the homeland. Once shooters have been assigned their left and right limits with interlocking fields of fire, targets can easily flow from one firer’s zone to the next, or get pinched in between. Regardless, everyone goes home with a higher probability of success through safe planning, delegation (particularly on the part of a pit boss), and smooth shooting.   

Undoubtedly, the hunt will come to a close but this is where holding to your wits becomes most precious as negligence can rear its dangerous head. Keep the lives of other hunters and dogs at the forefront as firearms remain pointed in safe directions and actions are cleared. 

Enjoy safe hunting from the pit blind this year and remember the other hunters on the line. -IBR

My PCS Story: Safe Hunting From a Pit Blind

• When approaching the pit blind, make sure that your firearm is unloaded, action locked open, and safety is engaged – whether it is cased or not.
• Never climb into the pit with your firearm in hand. Either hand it down to a friend with the muzzle in a safe direction, or lay it on the ground with the muzzle pointing away and/or in a safe direction.
• When loading your firearm, make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. ·
• When you’re not actively shooting, make sure your firearm is safe and pointed away from yourself, other hunters and dogs.

In-depth tips immediately follow the bullets above in the original post. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the NSSF’s important program, Project ChildSafe. 

• 

  About The WON

  The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON →