Arkansas Hunters Ed Practice Exam

What is the first step for both loading and unloading a firearm?

1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction

2. Check if the safety is on

3. Load the ammunition

4. Call out to nearby hunters

The correct answer is: Point the muzzle in a safe direction

For both loading and unloading a firearm, the first step is to always point the muzzle in a safe direction. This is the first and most important safety rule when handling firearms. Option B, checking if the safety is on, may be a step that follows but it is not the first step as it is not applicable to all types of firearms. Similarly, option C, loading the ammunition, comes after ensuring the firearm is safely pointed in the right direction. Option D, calling out to nearby hunters, is not a correct step and should not be done when loading or unloading a firearm. Therefore, the correct first step for both loading and unloading a firearm is to point the muzzle in a safe direction.