What should you keep in mind before crossing a frozen lake while hunting?

When considering safety while crossing a frozen lake during hunting, ensuring that your firearm is unloaded is crucial. Walking on ice with a loaded firearm increases the risk of accidental discharge, which could lead to serious injury or death. This precaution helps minimize the chances of an accidental shooting if you were to stumble or fall while crossing the ice.

While walking with a buddy, checking the thickness of the ice, and wearing ice cleats are all important safety measures to take when venturing onto frozen lakes, the specific focus of this question is on the handling of firearms during such a crossing. By keeping your firearm unloaded, you prioritize safety above all else and reduce the risk of unintended harm, making it a critical practice for responsible hunters.