What should you do before crossing a fence or other obstacles?

Before crossing a fence or other obstacles, it is essential to always unload the firearm. This practice is a fundamental safety precaution that helps prevent accidental discharges. Firearms can be unpredictable, and crossing a barrier while holding a loaded weapon poses significant risks to yourself and those around you. Unloading the firearm ensures that it cannot discharge accidentally, whether due to an unintentional trigger pull or another unforeseen circumstance.

While checking your firearm might seem prudent, it does not address the immediate safety concern of handling a firearm across an obstacle. Taking off your safety gear is illogical since keeping safety gear on is crucial for protection. The suggestion to have others watch you also does not directly enhance the safety of crossing a fence; instead, it is vital to ensure that the firearm is unloaded to maintain a safe environment. Thus, unloading the firearm is the most effective action to take to ensure safety before crossing any obstacles.