What should be done with the gun when crossing a fence alone?

When crossing a fence alone, putting the gun flat on the ground is the safest option, as it minimizes the risk of accidentally discharging the firearm. By laying the gun flat, you are ensuring it is pointed away from yourself and others, significantly reducing the chance of a negligent discharge while you navigate the fence. This practice emphasizes gun safety principles, including treating every firearm as if it is loaded and ensuring that the muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction.

The other methods present risks for accidents. Holding the gun across the fence can lead to an unintentional trigger pull, whereas passing the gun to another hunter can create confusion and increase the likelihood of someone pointing the firearm in an unsafe direction. Leaving the gun on the other side of the fence might also pose a risk, as it may not be secure or safe, particularly if it is unattended. Therefore, placing the gun flat on the ground is the most responsible and safest approach.