How should a hunter handle a firearm when walking in the field?

A hunter should always prioritize safety when handling a firearm in the field. Keeping the firearm pointing in a safe direction, away from people and the ground, minimizes the risk of accidental discharge. This practice is crucial because it ensures that, in the event of an accidental trigger pull, the gun will not inadvertently harm anyone or create an unsafe situation. Additionally, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot is an essential rule of firearm safety, as this prevents premature discharges.

While keeping the firearm unloaded is a safe practice, the handling context provided in the question implies movement within the field where a weapon is generally loaded but needs to be handled with utmost care. Carrying a firearm over the shoulder can be unsafe if it is carried improperly, leading to potential accidents, and only holding it with both hands does not address the critical aspects of maintaining a safe direction or trigger discipline. Thus, option B encapsulates the key principles of safe firearm handling effectively while moving.