When to take the safety off?

[megalomaniac]

My gun is up and at the ready as soon as I even think I have a bird committed and coming to my calling. Because of that, I don't take off the safety until right before I actually shoot. I also recheck the safety every single time I reposition in the woods, right before I unload the gun at the truck, and again (and confirm it's unloaded the 2nd time) before I bring it in the house. Basically the exact same things I do with a highpower centerfire rifle.

I've only had one spook to the click of the safety coming off... but when he popped out from behind a 200 year old oak tree, he was only 7 yards away.

 

[Cull Buck Hunter]

When he is visible/identified and in range or appears to be committed. I have to admit that when i started hunting i took the safety off on sound, until i had the cross hairs on a non-orange wearing deer hunter, made me change my ways. He never saw me.

 

[Madbowh]

Finger on each side of the safety to ease it off learned that on my very first deer he busted me still got him though. Once I confirm deer turkey coyote or whatever I'm after safety is off. Even if just a hen pops out I get somewhat ready and safety is off. Even though Im not shooting that hen or doe they might get to close for switching safety if something worth shooting steps out

 

[rem270]

I usually take the safety off about the time I get it out the truck window, never inside the truck Jk that is a joke, funny haha


I don't until I see the bird

 

[Rakkin6]

Use a finger on each side of the safety to help do it slowly and muffle the click.

I take mine off when I think he's about to show up.

^^^This^^^

 

[PossumSlayer]

My wife "Bless her heart" calls it the on/off switch

 

[Boll Weevil]

Not til I'm about to shoot. Top/tang safety and can ease it off/on real quiet. Long or short barrel selector makes a little bit more of a click though so as soon as I know if he's gonna be real close or further I go ahead and select my barrel.

 

[Coker]

I keep the booger picker out of the trigger guard

you got one of those too?

 

[Levee Jumper]

I normally keep my gun layed across my lap until he gets within easy shooting range. Safety goes off when the gun goes up. I absolutely hate sitting with a gun on my knee and a gobbler looking for me (the hen) at 100 yards. If some terrain is involved I normally get it up prior but safety remains on.