New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

When is it safe to shoot at a partially obscured target?

1. When hunting big game

2. When you are sure of your target and what is beyond it

3. Never

4. If you can see the target clearly with binoculars

The correct answer is: Never

The safest practice when it comes to shooting at a partially obscured target is to avoid doing so at all times. This is fundamentally rooted in the principle of ensuring that you can clearly identify your target and what lies beyond it before discharging a firearm. Shooting at a target that is not fully visible increases the likelihood of misidentifying either the target itself or what may be beyond it, potentially leading to dangerous consequences, including harming unintended targets or individuals. In hunting or recreational shooting contexts, it's imperative to establish a clear line of sight and understanding of your surroundings. The other scenarios may seem plausible, but they all carry inherent risks that compromise safety. Ultimately, exercising caution by refraining from shooting at partially obstructed targets helps prevent accidents and promotes responsible firearm use.