What safety practice should you adopt when walking with a firearm?

Keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction is fundamental to firearm safety. This practice helps to ensure that if the firearm is accidentally discharged, it will not cause harm to yourself or others. A safe direction is typically considered to be down towards the ground or another area where there are no people or livestock. This principle is essential for responsible firearm handling, as it minimizes the risk of injury and promotes a culture of safety among hunters and firearm users.

Other considerations, such as carrying an unloaded firearm or keeping a firearm in a bag, can be important in specific situations but do not take precedence over the critical rule of muzzle direction. Additionally, having a safety off isn't advisable because it increases the risk of accidental discharge during handling. Thus, maintaining control of the firearm's direction is the most effective way to ensure safety while walking with it.