Before I could go hunting I had to attend a gun safety class. I was 14 years old. The basic rules were learned. The most basic rule, never point a gun at ANYTHING unless you intend to shoot it, the best. This rule may of prevented my foot from disappearing that time my 30:06 it went off while lifting the bolt. Stuff happens, just make sure where the barrel is pointing. PS, I bagged my first deer that year in 1969. It was a great time. 

sourdo