Hi and welcome to the first column on hunting in the Bay of Plenty.

It's been a busy few weeks over March/April. Quite easily the most exciting and anticipated time of the hunting calendar is upon us, The Roar. Plans have been made, gear packed and families waved farewell to as eager hunters make their way into our backcountry in search of that elusive trophy.

This period of hunting would have to be the highlight for every young and old, amateur to professional deerstalker from both New Zealand and overseas hunters travelling here. It is an exciting time. Deer are at their most active during this time of the year and the hills come alive with the activity of rutting red stags, wapiti bulls and fallow bucks.

Beginner's luck - Scott bagged a fallow deer on his first hunting trip in April.

With that comes the added pressure from deerstalkers in many hunting areas and the subsequent danger that comes into play with so many out in the hills. On that note, it is a good time to reinforce the importance of firearm safety.

Let's take look at the seven basic principles.
The firearms safety code: seven basic rules of safe firearms handling

1: Treat every firearm as loaded.
Check every firearm yourself. Pass or accept only an open or unloaded firearm.

2: Always point firearms in a safe direction.
Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3: Load a firearm only when ready to fire.
Load the magazine only after you reach your shooting area.
Load the chamber only when ready to shoot.
Completely unload before leaving the shooting area.

4: Identify your target beyond all doubt.
Movement, colour, sound and shape can all deceive you.
Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape to be human until proven otherwise.

5: Check your firing zone .
Think! What may happen if you miss your target? What might you hit between you and the target or beyond?
Do not fire if you know others are in your firing zone.

6: Store firearms and ammunition safely.
When not in use, lock away the bolt, firearm and ammunition separately.
Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is unattended.

7: Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms.
Good judgment is the key to safe use of firearms.
All it really comes down to is simple common sense and an understanding and respect for firearms. I don't want to preach on about this but simply say take care out there and be safe.