You know this saying is so true to us gun using folks no matter what country you live in. "Familiarity breeds contempt" it also could fit many other situations other than shooting.
Some of you will have probably seen this advice many times before and I make no apologies for posting it again because Mark Hanbury Beaufoy got it so very right, especially the third verse in this situation.
A FATHERS ADVICE
If a sportsman true you be.
Listen carefully to me:
Never, never let your gun.
Pointed be at anyone:
That it may unloaded be.
Matters not the least to me.
When a hedge or fence you cross,
Though of time it cause a loss,
From your gun the cartridge take.
For the greater safetys sake.
If twixt you and neighbouring gun.
Bird may fly, or beast may run,
Let this maxim eer be thine
Follow not across the line
Stops and beaters oft unseen
Lurk behind some leafy screen:
Calm and steady always be,
Never shoot where you cant see.
Keep your place and silent be:
Game can hear and game can see:
Dont be greedy, better spared
Is a pheasant than one shared.
You may kill or you may miss
But at all times think of this:
All the Pheasants ever bread
Wont repay for one man dead.
This was written by Mr Mark Hanbury Beaufoy. Coombe House, Shaftsbury, Dorset, England. On presenting his eldest son Henry Mark Beaufoy with his first gun at the turn of the previous Centaury.
