Spotlight Shooting Code of Practice

Spotlight shooting is a potentially dangerous activity, because it involves the transport and use of firearms on a vehicle moving over uneven terrain, sometimes at considerable speed. A firearm injury is a very serious matter. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.  The driver and shooters should not be fatigued or have consumed alcohol, illicit or recreational drugs for 24hrs prior to the hunt, nor during the hunt.

When spotlighting shooting from “Rover“, or any other suitably equipped vehicle, maximum duty of care must be taken to provide secure firearm holders, the vehicle maintained in safe working condition and driven with as much care as possible.

Safe Operational Practices (SOPS)

1. The driver is in charge of the whole operation and needs to be acquainted with the passengers’ names and level of experience and competence in advance.
2. The driver will delegate a person experienced in safe firearm use to supervise shooters and spotlighters on the back of the vehicle. The delegated supervisor’s responsibility means he/she has the authority to have his/her directions and instructions respected and followed. Any person with a safety issue should raise it immediately with the supervisor or driver.
3. All firearms used are to be licensed and used by the licensed holder or used with the permission and under the supervision of the license holder.
4. Firearms must be, during the hunt, transported in safe manner so that an accidental discharge is not possible and only made ready to fire just prior to target acquisition.
5. The firearm must be made safe again immediately after a firing session.
6. Shooters must be familiar with every aspect of the safe and effective use of that
   firearm. Such familiarisation may not be an option on the night. (Dependent on
   the shooter’s experience and competence)
7. Firearms must be made safe, and returned to their holders if possible when a
   passenger or the driver is exiting the vehicle. “Guns Up” should be called out to warn others that you are about to leave the vehicle and for them to make sure their firearm is safe. Bear in mind people are wearing earmuffs. Firearms should never be discharged when persons are not safely on board the shooting vehicle.
8. At the conclusion of the hunt, people may be tired and inattentive. The unloading and making safe of firearms should be done as a Buddy System whereby you unload your firearm under the watchful eye of a buddy. Making sure that the firearm is pointing in a safe direction at all times. This is a safety double check.

Non-compliance of SOPS could result in the cancellation of the hunt.

Enjoy your hunt, may it be safe and successful.