A public awareness campaign will begin on Monday and continue through April to remind gun owners about the safe storage and transport of firearms in our province.

The campaign—sponsored by the Saskatchewan Firearms Office—will feature radio and social media advertising.

While most firearms owners already follow or exceed proper safety practices—the Firearms Office wants to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

The main points are listed below:

• Have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL/RPAL).
• Learn basic information about your firearm, including how to safely handle, load and secure it.
• Ensure unauthorized persons cannot access the keys or combination lock used to secure your firearms unless they have their PAL licence and are permitted to use the firearms.
• Unload all firearms when not in use and before they are stored.
• Use a locked cabinet or safe to store your firearms. For non-restricted firearms, you can attach a secure locking device, such as a trigger or cable lock.
• Store ammunition separately from all firearms or ensure ammunition is kept in a locked safe or cabinet.
• Always use the correct ammunition for your firearm.
• Never point a firearm at anyone or anything that you don’t intend to shoot.

If you are travelling with a firearm, please remember to also:

• make arrangements to secure your firearms at the hotel, motel, etc. you are staying at;
• don’t store your firearms in an unoccupied vehicle overnight;
• park in well-lit locations where your vehicle can be easily seen by yourself and others when stopping at gas stations and restaurants;
• always have the firearm unloaded with an appropriate locking device installed properly on the firearms; and
• ensure the vehicle is locked and all firearms are out of view from those outside the vehicle.

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office is responsible for administering the Firearms Act in Saskatchewan, which details jurisdiction over the licensing, storage, transportation, and use of firearms in the province.