There are several ways to carry a gun. the trail carry:

Any time you take a firearm afield, it should be carried in one of six positions. Safe muzzle control governs the right carrying position to use in a given situation.

Remember:

• Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction
• Keep fingers outside trigger guard
• Ensure the safety is on

Cradle Carry

A good position to use when standing point, or waiting for your hunting companions to approach.

Two-handed Carry

The shooter has good muzzle control with this carry, and is ready to shoulder the firearm quickly. This is an excellent carry for working upland bird cover. It is also one of the safest ways to carry a firearm.

Trail carry

Never use this carry if someone is walking directly ahead of you. If a hunting party is traveling in single file, only the lead person should use the trail carry. Trailing hunters should use the cradle carry or the two-handed carry. This one-handed carry provides the least control in the event of a fall or other problems.

Sling carry

Big game hunters find a sling very helpful to carry and shoot a firearm accurately from the off-hand position. The sling carry is not recommended in difficult terrain. On such occasions, the rifle should be held in your hands (ready carry) for complete muzzle control.

Elbow or side carry

Avoid using this carry if you're walking behind someone. For safety's sake, use the two-handed or cradle carry (muzzle pointed to the left or right!).

Shoulder Carry

This method is generally used by shotgun shooters. It helps to relax muscles on long walks. The shoulder carry is best used when a hunter is walking alone. You have very little control of your firearm should you trip or stumble.

It is your responsibility to develop and practice safe habits so that you are comfortable and safe with other hunters. Insist that your companions do the same or refuse to hunt with them.

To carry a gun safely while hunting, three basic rules apply:

1. Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction and the barrel under control.
2. Keep the safety in the “on” position while carrying a firearm. Only change the position of the safety to fire when you are ready to shoot.
3. Always keep your finger outside the trigger guard.

Check the status of your firearm often, especially as you travel or get ready to cross an obstacle. Check to see if your safety is still on and keep the chamber empty. If your magazine is loaded, when you’re ready to fire, it is easy to chamber a round for the shot. Don’t be shy to ask others about the safety status of their firearm.

Sling Carry

A sling carry uses a rifle sling placed over your shoulder to support the rifle. Keep your hand on the sling while walking to keep the rifle from slipping. The sling carry is good for long walks in open cover. If brush becomes dense, the barrel tip can get caught in shoulder-high branches and twigs so you may need to switch to a different carrying method. It is a good carry when walking with others.

 Trail Carry

The trail carry uses one arm to carry the firearm, leaving the other free for balance.

Cradle Carry

Elbow or Side Carry

The elbow or “side” carry is a very comfortable carry for break-action firearms. The pivot of the open action rests easily in the crook of your elbow and down over your forearm.  In this manner the barrel naturally points down. Others can easily see that your action is safe and open.

Shoulder Carry

The shoulder carry balances the rifle on your shoulder, controlling the firearm by a hand on the grip. Always keep your finger off the trigger and on the outside of the trigger guard. This is a good carry when walking beside or behind others. It is not a good carry if others are behind you.

When at a shooting range the correct shoulder carry for a break action shotgun would be with the action open, unloaded, barrel pointing down and forward, controlled by both hands.

Two - Handed or Ready Carry

In the two-handed or “ready” carry, the gun is held by both hands in front of the body with the barrel up. The trigger finger is always outside of the trigger guard. It provides the best control of the muzzle, particularly in thick brush or weeds, or when you need to be ready to take aim.

Safe Carries in a Group

Safely carrying firearms while hunting with others can be a challenge. Strict muzzle control is the key factor to keep in mind. Remember that you may have to adjust or change your carry for the terrain and pace of your group.

Walking side by side

The hunters at the sides must keep their muzzles pointed to the side or to the front. The hunter in the middle must keep his muzzle to back and up, or to the front.

Walking in single file

The hunter in front keeps his muzzle to the side or up. The hunter in the middle keeps the muzzle to the side with cradle carry. The hunter in the rear keeps his muzzle back or to the side.

The trail carry leaves a hand free for balance, but don’t use it when you’re behind someone. This carry is not recommended when walking in snow or brush—debris can get in the barrel.

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The sling carry is an easy carry for long treks through open country. Keep a hand on the sling when walking so that it doesn't slide off your shoulder if you trip. This carry is not recommended for thick brush because the gun could be knocked from your shoulder.

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The elbow or side carry is comfortable, but it has the least muzzle control. It also can snag in brushy terrain. Use it when no one is in front of you.

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The two-handed or ready carry provides the best control, particularly in thick brush or weeds, or when you need to fire quickly. If you fall, this carry gives you better control of the gun and helps you keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. It can be used as either a right- or left-handed carry. Use this carry only if your gun would not be pointed at others while walking side-by-side.

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The cradle carry is comfortable and secure, and it reduces arm fatigue. Like the two-handed or ready carry, the cradle carry can be used as either a right- or left-handed carry. Do not use this carry if your gun would be pointed at others when walking side-by-side.

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The shoulder carry is a good choice when walking beside or behind others. Don’t use it if someone is behind you.

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Carry selection is based primarily on muzzle control and terrain. If three hunters are walking side by side:

• The ones at the sides may carry their guns pointing either to the side away from their party or to the front.
• The one in the center should keep the gun pointing to the front or up.