When traveling for a hunting trip it is imperative to keep safety in mind while transporting your firearm and night vision optic to avoid damage or injury. Here are some quick tips to help you travel safely.
Utilize your case
Firearms and night vision optics come with cases for a reason. These high-ticket hunting tools are often fragile (night vision optics especially) and need their protective cases for any bumps in the road. Hard-sided cases do a great job of protecting both firearms and night vision optics alike.
When traveling it is important to keep in mind where you are going and the rules and regulations of your area. This site provides more detailed information on interstate transportation of firearms. Generally, a weapon should be stored in a locked case, unloaded, and kept away from the driver or passengers, like in a trunk.
Properly stow
Anchor your firearm and night vision optics so that they are not prone to move or fall and become damaged during transportation. Great spots to store your firearm or night vision optic during travel would be in the trunk, back seats, or trailer. Try putting blankets and other items around your firearm or night vision optic to protect them and keep them from moving too much.
A proper stowing will secure an item and make sure it does not budge during the trip.
Plane travel
When looking to transport your firearm on a plane the regulations are more detailed. The firearm must be unloaded and kept in a locked hard-sided case. The firearm must be checked luggage whereas night vision optics can be checked luggage or carry-on. For more information check here.
Hopefully these commonsense tips and resources will help you travel more safely with your firearm and night vision optic in the future.