New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

When crossing a fence while hunting, first you should:

1. Unload your firearm

2. Climb the fence carefully with the firearm

3. Pass the firearm to a companion

4. Check that the safety is on

The correct answer is: Unload your firearm

The correct answer is to unload your firearm before crossing a fence while hunting. This action is essential for ensuring safety when navigating potentially hazardous situations. By unloading the firearm, you eliminate the risk of an accidental discharge, which could result in severe injury or even death. Handling a loaded firearm while trying to manage obstacles like fences can lead to dangerous situations, particularly if you lose your footing or if the firearm shifts unexpectedly. Ensuring the firearm is unloaded provides a responsible means to prioritize safety for both yourself and those around you. While other actions, such as checking the safety or passing the firearm to a companion, may seem prudent, they do not address the immediate risk of carrying a loaded weapon while traversing a physical barrier, where control and focus are critical.