Hunting is a safe sport as long as shooters remember a few basic rules, Putegnat said.

At the lodge, he said, guides stress these rules:

Never fire at a bird lower than 45 degrees

Keep actions of shotguns open when not engaging in pulling the trigger

Don't solely rely on the shotgun's safety, keep shells from entering the chambers on break over and automatic guns

Never drive with a loaded gun in the vehicle

Unload before crossing a fence," suggested the veteran hunting lodge owner.

Terry Erwin, program director for the TPWD, said the majority of hunting accidents center around the firing of a shotgun, and the No. 1 cause is swinging and firing guns outside of a safe zone of fire.

"Shoot high, and always know where members of your group and standing," he said.

I use the 4 Rules of Marine Corps Marksmanship safety that were taught to me in boot camp. I made my son memorize them before I let him start shooting.

1. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded
2. Never point the weapon at anything you don't intend to shoot
3. Keep your weapon on SAFE until you are ready to fire
4. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire

These certainly don't cover every single scenario out there. But, they'll prevent most accidents from happening.