Texas Hunter Education Certification Practice Exam

Before firing at a target, what should you identify?

1. The brand of the target

2. The color of the target

3. What is beyond the target

4. How far away the target is

The correct answer is: What is beyond the target

Identifying what is beyond the target is crucial for safe hunting and shooting practices. This awareness helps prevent accidents, particularly if the bullet does not hit the intended target or if the target is missed. Knowing what lies beyond the target allows a shooter to assess any potential risks to people, property, or wildlife that could be affected by a stray bullet. Situational awareness is a key component of responsible firearm use, and understanding the backdrop of your target is an essential safety measure. It ensures that every shot is taken with the utmost consideration for safety and the well-being of others in the vicinity, reinforcing the principle that shooters are responsible for every bullet fired. Factors like the brand, color, or distance of the target may be important for the specifics of a shooting scenario, but they do not outweigh the necessity of knowing what is behind the target in terms of safety.