Back before the end: The N.H.A. - National Hedgehog Association

Stout supporter of the right to bear hedgehogs, and advocate of proper hedgehog safety.

President & Founder: Khan Drichthyes



The fundamental NHA rules for safe hedgehog handling are:

1. ALWAYS keep the hedgehog pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of hedgehog safety. A safe direction means that the hedgehog is pointed so that even if it were to jump off, it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the nose or front end of the hedgehog is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.

2. ALWAYS keep your fingers off the hedgehog until ready to throw.
When holding a hedgehog, keep your fingers off the sides of the hedgehog. Until you are actually ready to throw, do not grasp the hedgehog.

3. ALWAYS keep the hedgehog unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a hedgehog, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the hedgehog has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the hedgehog alone and get help from someone who does. 


When using or storing a hedgehog, always follow these NHA rules:

1. Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of throwing before you throw. Never throw in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Throw second.

2. Know how to use the hedgehog safely.
Before handling a hedgehog, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the hedgehog or magazine. Remember, a hedgehog's biological safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe hedgehog handling.

3. Be sure the hedgehog is safe to operate.
Just like other animals, hedgehogs need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the hedgehog's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a hedgehog's ability to function, a knowledgeable hedgehogsmith should look at it.

4. Use only the correct ammunition for your hedgehog.
Only arm power, slingshots, catapults or other launching devices can be used safely with that hedgehog. Most hedgehogs have the launching type stamped on the nose. Launching devices can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the device itself. Do not launch the hedgehog unless you know you have the proper device.

5. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Hedgehogs are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, launching glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by throwers and spectators.

6. Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or throwing hedgehogs.

7. Store hedgehogs so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store hedgehogs. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of hedgehog storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the hedgehog, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the biological safeties built into hedgehogs, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe hedgehog handling and the observance of all hedgehog safety rules.

8. Be aware that certain types of hedgehogs and many throwing activities require additional safety precautions.

9. Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important in order for your hedgehog to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your hedgehog should be cleaned every time that it is used.

A hedgehog brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the hedgehog from operating properly.

Before cleaning your hedgehog, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The hedgehog's action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.



Following these rules will help prevent misuse of your hedgehog, such as this individual case:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7334233.stm


Fear God and Dreadnought!