Load firearms only when they are ready to fire. That is the latest safety message following the tragic deaths of two young men in separate incidents over the weekend.

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council urges hunters to unload when they have no game to fire at, and to always point firearms in a safe direction.

Family and friends are will farewell James tomorrow.

The advice comes following the death of 15-year-old James Ross Bucko Johnston, who was killed when his firearm discharged while he was out duck hunting in the Eastern Bay of Plenty on Sunday morning.

Later the same day, a 21-year-old man was killed when his firearm discharged while he was crossing a fence on farmland near Ohakune.

MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety Programme Manager, Nicole McKee, says both tragedies serve as a heart-breaking reminder to hunters of the importance of keeping the basic rules of firearms safety at the front of their minds at all times.

'Even the most experienced hunters can become complacent and, as these tragedies illustrate, a moment's complacency can destroy lives,” says Nicole.

'Load your firearm only when you're ready to fire and always, always, point your firearm in a safe direction.

'It might sound simple, but it's often the simple things that trip people up.

'If there is a firearms incident, chances are that one or more of the basic rules have not been followed.”

The message comes on the eve of a special farewell for James at Trident High School.

In a newsletter sent to parents, principal Philip Gurney said the school would close on Thursday to allow the Trident and wider community to attend his funeral at 11am.

The MSC delivers the firearms and hunter safety programme nationally, including the firearms safety courses and testing that all applicants are required to attend and pass prior to receiving a firearms licence, under contract with New Zealand Police.

For more information about firearms safety, including the Firearms Safety Code, tips, advice and resources, visit: www.mountainsafety.org.nz