Hunter Safety

[Vulcan]

Some kiwi blokes have come up with a cool safety solution for hunting:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/iris-hunter-safety-technology

[saggs]

Biggest issue with that product, is that the kinds of careless hunters who accidentally shoot others already ignore all the current safety rules/guidelines out there today.  The odds of that type of personality saying to themselves: "You know what, I'm gonna spend good money on some whiz-bang safety gadget."  are slim to none.  Basically there are safe hunters, and unsafe hunters.  No technology will change that, it's a moral issue, it's a personality issue, it's an education issue.  It is not a technology issue.

Simply following the 4 basic rules of gun safety (which have been taught the same for decades) would eliminate accidental shootings.

-Treat every gun as if it's loaded.
-Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
-Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire.
-Know your target, and what is beyond.

[JimmyC]

if it saves lives its all good...

[Vulcan]

Biggest issue with that product, is that the kinds of careless hunters who accidentally shoot others already ignore all the current safety rules/guidelines out there today.  The odds of that type of personality saying to themselves: "You know what, I'm gonna spend good money on some whiz-bang safety gadget."  are slim to none.  Basically there are safe hunters, and unsafe hunters.  No technology will change that, it's a moral issue, it's a personality issue, it's an education issue.  It is not a technology issue.

Simply following the 4 basic rules of gun safety (which have been taught the same for decades) would eliminate accidental shootings.

-Treat every gun as if it's loaded.
-Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
-Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire.
-Know your target, and what is beyond.

Problem is that is not the case. If you watch the video's you'll note the shootings are from very safe hunters whose eyes and brain plays tricks on them. It is an age old problem that is known and understood.

Once the tech is well proven ideally I'd like to see (in my country) compulsory use in our National Parks (NZ National parks are open for hunting 365 days a year). Most hunters spend silly amounts of money on other stuff, it should not be a big stretch to add this.

[uptown]

Never squeeze the trigger unless you're absolutely sure what you're aiming at hasn't failed me in 40 years. I personally have no need for one of these.  If you need a gadget to replace common sense, you have no business with a firearm in the first place.

I don't buy the argument that the "eyes or brain plays tricks" on you. That's just another way of saying the shooter wasn't sure of what he was shooting at. Not once, ever have I mistaken a deer for a man or a squirrel for a rabbit or a bird for a coyote or a moose for a fish.

I have no problem with people buying this product as long as they don't depend on it solely to determine if they have a target or not. But I'm afraid lots of folks will take the sketchy shot just because the beeper didn't go off.  Nevermind the sensor may be bad or covered by mud or debris.

[Ripsnort]

Hey Vulc, how's the family doing? You had a baby boy years ago, right? Anymore since? What do you do for entertainment with the kiddo(s)?

[DubiousKB]

Interesting concept... But I agree with most other responsible gun owners; it is your responsibility to ensure safety, NOT technology....

A great training tool, but it's just a supplement to safety, not the precursor.

Know your background, if you're uncertain, you're unsafe.

[Vulcan]

Hey Vulc, how's the family doing? You had a baby boy years ago, right? Anymore since? What do you do for entertainment with the kiddo(s)?

3 boys rip

2/4/8 years old... entertainment is torturing dad at 6am in the morning.