Can you climb a fence with a loaded firearm if the muzzle is pointed away from you?

It is not safe to climb a fence with a loaded firearm, even if the muzzle is pointed away from you. This practice poses significant risks. Climbing over a fence while holding a firearm could lead to accidents, such as falling and inadvertently discharging the firearm. The muzzle must always be pointed in a safe direction, and attempting to maneuver over a fence does not guarantee that safety will be maintained.

Hunting safety emphasizes controlling the firearm's direction at all times and ensuring that the environment is safe before handling a loaded weapon. Climbing a fence can create unpredictable situations where you might lose control of the firearm or the position of the muzzle could inadvertently angle toward yourself or others. Thus, it is essential to ensure the firearm is unloaded before navigating obstacles like fences.