Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Course Practice Exam

Before climbing a tree or before climbing into a tree stand, what safety step should be taken?

1. Unload your firearm

2. Fire a warning shot

3. Use a rope to raise and lower your unloaded firearm or bow

4. Shout to alert any nearby hunters

The correct answer is: Use a rope to raise and lower your unloaded firearm or bow

Before climbing into a tree stand or attempting to climb a tree while hunting, it is important to use a rope to raise and lower your unloaded firearm or bow. This step should be taken to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. It is important to avoid any accidental discharge of a loaded firearm while in a tree stand or climbing a tree. Option A, unloading your firearm, is incorrect because it does not provide the same level of safety as using a rope to raise and lower your unloaded firearm or bow. Simply unloading the firearm does not eliminate the risk of an accidental discharge. Option B, firing a warning shot, is incorrect because it is unsafe and unnecessary. Firing a weapon without a specific target is never advised as it can cause harm or alert other nearby hunters. Option D, shouting to alert nearby hunters, is incorrect because it does not guarantee that all nearby hunters are aware of your location and could potentially lead to a dangerous situation. Using a rope to raise and lower your firearm or bow is a more reliable and secure method of ensuring safety.