FSD Outdoor Blog

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8 Gun Safety Tips For Parents

Every single year there are over 31,000 deaths because of guns. There are even more injuries than that. What’s tragic is that these accidental shootings can be prevented.

While it is of the utmost importance for everyone to have gun knowledge, if you’re going to have a gun in the same home as a child or teenager, it becomes even more imperative.

Here are 8 gun safety tips every parent should know about.

1. Be on the same page as your partner

It may seem like an afterthought, but gun safety begins with you and your partner teaching the same lesson to your child. When each parent has a different idea about gun safety the child will have a muddled idea about what’s right and what’s wrong.

Take the time to go through a step by step plan with your partner before you start teaching your child. This will be a great time to get all the information needed for gun safety and to create a plan of attack.

2. Real or Fake

There are thousands of different kind of toy guns; some of them super over the top and absurd, others strikingly realistic. It is crucial that your kid knows what is a real gun and what is a fake gun.

Many accidents happen each year when a child doesn’t think the gun is real only to be surprised by firing off a round at someone.

This leads us to our next tip…

3. Always Assume

If your child is not sure a gun is real or fake, they should always assume that it is in fact real. It is necessary that your child treats any unknown gun as if it is a real one.

And they must always assume that the gun, whether real or fake, is loaded. Never assume a gun is not an immediate threat, especially when they find one unexpectedly. They should, in this situation, leave the gun alone and go and find an adult immediately.

4. Not “Adult Supervision”

Adult Supervision is not enough to handle a gun. How would you feel if your child was playing at a friend’s house only to have some unknown adult say it’s okay for them to see or touch a gun they have?

That is absolutely not okay but it is technically ‘adult supervision’.

Make sure you teach your child that they are only allowed to touch a gun with you or your partner and have specific permission. Sadly, some adults are not meant to be trusted and if they feel uncomfortable with an adult trying to show them a gun they should leave immediately and come find you.

5. No Pressure

Explicitly tell them that no real friend would ever, ever pressure them into touching a gun or ask them to get one of your guns.

If they do have a friend like that, your child has to know they can come to you and tell you and you will not get mad at them.

Many times a child will keep something secret, something dangerous, just because they think they might get in trouble with their parent. Make sure they know they can express something like this, even if they already made a mistake, and you’ll be on their side.

While teaching your child is of the utmost importance, there is more you can do. The last few tips were about communication and teaching. The next couple will be more physical deterrents you can take.

6. Store Apart

You should make sure that the gun and ammo are never stored in the same location. Keeping the gun and ammo apart should make it extra difficult for a mistake to occur.

Another good idea is to have different locks for each of them. Say you have a key to your gun safe. You’d want a number lock to where you keep the ammo. And do NOT keep the key to your gun safe with the ammo.

7. More Locks

Not only should the gun and the ammo be under lock, but a trigger lock is a great idea, too. Each layer of protection you create will dramatically reduce the chances of something terrible happening.

Each lock and key, or code, should not lead to one of the others or ever be stored in the same place.

8. Teach

Finally, the best way to protect you, your partner, your children, and everyone else comes with teaching. The more your child knows about how to handle a gun, what is allowed and what is not allowed, the safer everyone will be.

Most of the time the mistakes that come from guns are because of ignorance, a lack of knowing. When you teach your child openly, they will have respect for the destructive and awesome power of a gun.

Having a safe home is a must if you are going to have a gun and a child co-exist. While the news might be full of horrible situations, you can prevent them as much as possible by following these steps.

If, for any reason, you don’t feel that you or your child is safe with a gun in the house, then get rid of the gun. You can keep your gun somewhere else and the peace of mind you’ll have for yourself and your family will be irreplaceable.

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10 Qualities of the Most Patriotic Americans

There are a lot of discussions about what qualities makes a person patriotic or not. There’s an unseen line, sometimes, that can blur depending on your own experiences and on which side of the line you personally resign.

But there are several qualities everyone can agree upon. The qualities that reflect the best of this country and show what it truly means to be an American.

1. Civil Service –

A true patriot believes in a civil service, that is actions that make their town, state, or country better. This can be anything from running for office to helping someone cross the street during busy times. No matter how small or big the deed might be, the idea is the same: improve the lives of those around you.  

2. Respect –

I think it’s safe to say that most people understand respect wrong. There are two forms of respect. Basic human respect. And respect for someone that has achieved something great. And here is where people get it confused. Most people tend to think that if someone does not respect them as if they have achieved something great, they are then allowed to not respect the other person as a basic human. This, once written clearly, is obviously wrong. A true patriot respects everyone wholly. They respect life, even if it’s a life they wouldn’t live. They respect achievement, even if they don’t have an interest in it. They simply respect.

3. Diversity –

Where others may see some, if not all, aspect of diversity as a negative; a true patriot believes diversity is a blessing. People of different races, genders, beliefs, creeds, and opinions make life special, make the world incredible. A patriot believes the differences in people makes them great; not the similarities. This is, afterall, the melting pot of the world. Diversity is the heart of America.

4. Checks and Balances –

As a concept, Checks and Balances are in place to ensure no one person or group has too much power. Sadly though, anytime a person has been in power they’ve tried to remove some of the strength of checks and balances only to wish it was restored once they lose that power. A true patriot understands that checks and balances is the only way to real liberty, real democracy. This starts and ends with the understanding that just because an individual truly things something is right, it doesn’t mean that everyone else must think so, too. 

5. The Declaration of Independence –

The great playbook of our country is, no matter what, the heart and soul of a patriot. The concept that every living person is of equal value, should have equal rights, and have the ability and right to pursue a life of happiness and fulfillment is undeniably beautiful. A true patriot will always respect that, even if their own agenda or beliefs must be put aside. 

6. Religion –

A patriot believes that religion is a personal pursuit. While they might be pious in every regard, they do not believe that their religion should be expressed, pushed, or used by the state. To blend the two, church and state, defeats many of the other qualities of a patriot.

7. Honesty –

To tell the truth is such a simple idea but such a difficult task. Many are quick to lie when they risk ruin; whether it be professional, wealth, respect, or reputation. But a true patriot believes that honesty is everything. If they face a consequence for being honest, they will meet it head on. And expect others to follow in this way.

8. Conviction –

The drive to do what’s right is everything. If someone has the belief to make the world better but does not have the drive, then nothing gets done. A true patriot has the conviction to do the right thing, even in the face of danger. They know that their actions define them and they will act with the conviction needed to make a difference.

9. Time –

A patriot understands the nature of time. Our time is fleeting. The laws, rules, and actions we take impact more than just those of us alive today. A true patriot will take an action with the understanding that those that come after us will inherit what we do; and that our goal should be to give them the best world, the best life, the best framework to continue improving. 

10. Charity –

The act of giving, whether it be time, money, or effort, Charity is the heart of a patriot. Most people reach a station in life that is basically given to them. When those that are privileged to have more than others, to have an easier time climbing and living, they reach out with what they’ve gained to give back to those in need. Some of the best patriots throughout history are those altruistic souls that give without thought, give without reward, give without end.

Patriots come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and credence. Adults to children, liberals to conservatives, leaders to followers. Any person that reflects the backbone of this great nation is, without a doubt, a true patriot.

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6 Tips For Camping With Your Dog

Camping with your dog can be a great experience for you and for your dog. For most of us, our dog is a member of our family, a true friend. Having them with us while we experience the great outdoors is amazing and certainly worth the effort.

But it can come with its difficulties, too. So here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re camping with your canine companion.

Tip 1: Dog Friendly

The first step to camping with your pooch is to find places that are dog friendly. Not every campsite will allow your dog to even enter the site.

But more than that, most campsites will have different rules regarding your dog. Some won’t allow dogs of a certain size or even breed. Some will allow dogs only during certain times. There will be rules about what equipment the dog must have. The list goes on. Just make sure you research where you want to take your dog and know the rules before you visit.

Tip 2: Get Control

You have to take a real, unbasis look at your dog. I know it’s easy for us to think our dog is the best dog of all the dogs (I know my dog is). But if you’re taking your dog to a campsite, you’re not just responsible of your dog, you’re responsible for how other people feel.

Other campers that see your dog matter. If they see you pulling you dog around as you bark commands at him, they’ll think your dog is dangerous, even if he’s just excited. They might complain and you’ll find yourself in a pickle.

Get control of your dog so they are not only safe, but others feel safe. I know it sounds like a lot of pressure on you, but it’s the only way to ensure a safe and fun adventure for all parties involved.

Tip 3: Test It Out

The city is very different than a campsite. Your backyard is different than a campsite.

What I mean to say, your dog at the campsite will have a unique experience. It doesn’t matter how good your dog is at the dog park or in your own home, the campsite is different.

This is why it’s imperative to have a chance to test out nature with your dog. You get to see them in a new experience and they get to practice it and work out any kinks.

Nature can be scary. No matter how good of a dog you have, go ahead and test it out first.

Tip 4: Plan For Your Pup

If you’re a very active camper and hiker but your dog is old and not very active, you have to change how you camp for your dog.

Once you decide to bring your dog camping, it’s all about them. If you’re used to relaxing but have a very active puppy, get ready for a busy time.

The more your camping situation is planned with your pup in mind the better time you both with have.

Tip 5: Documentation

Just in case, make sure you have proof of ownership of your pup, their tags are up to date, and all shots are current and you have proof of them. This is just in case something should go wrong or someone starts freaking about your dog.

You’ll have all information to quench any fears.

If you know the campsite in advance, you can make a new tag that has not only the usual information for your dog but also the campsite information.

Tip 6: Bring Too Much

If this is your first time camping with your dog, make sure you bring too much. Bring extra bowls for them. Too much food, too many poop bags, and extra collar and leash, too.

The idea is that having too many things is much better than having not enough. Running out of dog food or having your only leash break when you’re stuck at the campsite can spell disaster.

As you figure out your dog and camping with them it’s worth it to have too much as a precaution.

Camping with your pup is a great way to bond with them and have some new experiences. But this comes with a certain amount of danger. Luckily, the right preparations and forethought will dispel most of that trouble so you can just enjoy camping with your canine companion.