Hunters Guide

Alberta · topic practice

Firearms practice questions for Alberta

By Hunters Guide. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

These 4 firearms questions are drawn from the Alberta Hunter Education Practice Exam. They are original practice items written from published Alberta Hunter Education Course curriculum topics, with an explanation on every answer.

Firearms questions

  1. 1Your partner moves from behind you to your right side while you are carrying a loaded rifle at trail carry. What must change?

    1. Nothing, trail carry is always acceptable
    2. Your carry position, so the muzzle stays clear of them as you both walk
    3. Only your walking speed
    4. You should unload and stop hunting
    Show the answer

    Your carry position, so the muzzle stays clear of them as you both walk

    Safe carry is relative to where people are, not a fixed grip you choose once. When someone changes position, the carry that was safe a moment ago may now sweep them, so the carry changes with them.

  2. 2You engage the safety, set the rifle in the truck, and arrive to find the safety off. What does that tell you?

    1. The rifle needs a gunsmith before it can be used
    2. That a safety is a mechanical part which can be moved without you knowing, so muzzle control is what actually protects you
    3. That the safety was defective from the factory
    4. Nothing, safeties move in transit and it does not matter
    Show the answer

    That a safety is a mechanical part which can be moved without you knowing, so muzzle control is what actually protects you

    Nothing is wrong with the rifle. Straps, cases, and road vibration move safeties all the time, which is exactly why the safety is a backup to muzzle discipline rather than the thing you depend on.

  3. 3What is the safest way to hand a firearm to another person?

    1. Muzzle first so they can grip the barrel
    2. Open the action, show it is unloaded, then pass it with the action open
    3. Toss it gently
    4. Pass it with the safety on and the action closed
    Show the answer

    Open the action, show it is unloaded, then pass it with the action open

    Both people must see the empty chamber. An open action is a visible proof of condition, which a closed action with the safety on is not.

  4. 4What does a ricochet risk assessment mean before taking a shot?

    1. Checking your scope is zeroed
    2. Judging what lies beyond and around your target, including water, rock, and frozen ground
    3. Counting your remaining rounds
    4. Testing the wind
    Show the answer

    Judging what lies beyond and around your target, including water, rock, and frozen ground

    Bullets deflect off hard flat surfaces at shallow angles. Water, rock, and frozen ground are all common ricochet surfaces in Alberta, and the deflected round can travel a long way off your intended line.

Ready for the full set? Take the Alberta Hunter Education Practice Exam.