Learn about firearm safety, consider a class
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When tragedy strikes it brings to mind, “what if’s?” How did it happen, how could this happen to me, why did it happen, who was to blame, how do we go on, what can we do to prevent it from happening again, how long does the sorrow last? These and many more emotions and questions rise up.
Too often we find solace in blaming others, getting even or lashing out. To fall into despair, anger and hatred will happen to most. To allow one’s self to remain there can ruin their lives and others. Most often the best way is to accept what has happened and look for positive objectives.
The Corrigan Family has chosen a noble path dealing with the loss of their beloved Aunika. Along with all the sorrow and mourning came a gathering of family and friends to share support. The outpouring of support from the community has been inspiring. The loss of such a loved one can never be replaced but to see how many lives were touched by her short life helps. The celebration of her life reached so many.
The family has expressed gratitude to all the people that have taken part. The father, Bryan Corrigan, has asked that we as Hunter Education Instructors teach all young people firearm safety. Can we prevent all firearm accidents? No. Can we prevent some? Yes.
I hope that the one that we prevent is the one that affects you. Like learning to drive a vehicle, learning firearm safety needs to be taught. Does getting a driver's license stop vehicle accidents and deaths? No. The most dangerous aspect of firearms is driving to and from activities. Any firearm accident is too many; our goal is to reduce that number.
From this accident I have new topics that we will include in our classes. Our instruction manuals are written on a national level and are compressive on content but still have room for more. By adding a few more topics in our training we might be able to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Are young people that plan on hunting the only ones that should take Hunter Education? Absolutely not. Just about every person in Montana will at some time in their lives be involved in a situation with firearms whether they want to or not. The safest way to handle any situation is to have some knowledge of firearms.
Even if you do not plan on hunting, please consider attending a class. We provide classes free to the public multiple times throughout the year in almost all locations. To be certified to hunt you need to be 11 years old, but anyone can take the class. We have had students that ranged in ages from 8 to 75 that have taken classes.
Our classes require at least 12 hours of instruction. Those hours are spent in classrooms and in the field with hands-on training. Students learn how firearms operate and actually shoot different types. Time is spent on safe handling practices in different situations. Learn what to do if someone finds a firearm. Please consider having your family learn all they can about firearm safety. Remember that the accident that is prevented may be the one that affects you.
