What should a safe hunter do in the case of a hangfire?

In the case of a hangfire, a safe hunter should maintain control of the firearm by keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and waiting at least 60 seconds before attempting to unload it. A hangfire occurs when there is a delay between pulling the trigger and the cartridge firing. During this period, it is critical to keep the firearm pointed safely, as the round could go off unexpectedly.

By waiting and keeping the muzzle pointed safely, the hunter ensures that if the round does fire, it will not pose a danger to themselves or others. After the 60 seconds have passed, the hunter can then proceed to safely unload the firearm. This response minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that safety precautions are prioritized in a potentially dangerous situation.