Rules &
Safety Guidelines

1. Always have your safety "on" and the chamber open anytime you are not in the field. If you have a double barrel or over-and-under shotgun, please have them broken open.

2. Muzzle control is better than any safety. The safety could fail, but if the muzzle is ALWAYS pointed in a safe direction, nobody will be hurt if the gun were to accidentally discharge. Always have your muzzle pointed in a safe direction (normally straight up) even if the gun is unloaded.

3. Never load your gun unless you are standing in the field after the guide has told you and your party to load up.

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4. Be mindful of guide and dogs while taking aim. Never shoot at low flying birds.

5. You must wear hunter's orange while in the field. Wearing both an orange cap and vest is best.

6. Alcohol consumption is absolutely not allowed at Hickory Mountain Preserve.

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7. Hunters under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

8. North Carolina law requires hunters to have a valid NC hunting or preserve license.*

9. Hickory Mountain Preserve requires that all hunters have the necessary NC valid hunting licenses.

10. Good bird dogs are expensive and very hard to find. If you follow the safety rules listed on this sheet, and follow the instructions given at the safety speech (prior to your hunt) a bird dog should never be shot. However, accidents do happen and we realize that fact. If you should shoot a dog and kill it, you will be required to pay the fair market value of the dog and/or any subsequent veterinary bills until the dog is completely well. Please be careful when shooting around the dogs and always know where they are before you take a shot.