Hunting in Arizona is extremely safe. On average, there are
fewer than six hunting-related accidents each year. Many young
hunters have taken the department’s hunter education course,
mandatory for young hunters ages 10-13 hunting big game. Core
values taught in the course, that when followed, eliminate most
situations, include: • T.A.B. +1 — Treat every gun as if it were
loaded; Always keep the muzzle in a safe direction; Be sure of
your target and beyond; +1 Keep your finger outside the trigger
guard until ready to shoot. • Ethics, responsibility, knowledge
and safety. • Never stalk hunt turkeys. • Do not wear red, white
and/or blue when turkey hunting. • Use a hen (female) call — not
a gobbler (male). • Never carry a decoy or harvested bird
uncovered — use camouflage or hunter orange. • If you hear or
see another hunter announce yourself clearly. The Arizona Game
and Fish Department understands hunting is not for everyone.
However, hunting plays a critical role in wildlife conservation
for all species — ga