Well I believe it is unanimous, LEAVE THE SAFTY ON!!! I lost a cousin because he figured he could to the same as you, well he went to move a few feet, forgot about the safety and BANG off went the back of his head when he tripped over a rock. You can never be to safe every little thing makes a difference. Is it better to loose your life, or loose the deer? that is what it comes down to. No animal is worth loosing your life over. I' m with hntngirl try to move it slowly, that is what I have to do with mine, other wise it is loud as heck.