Hunting is considered almost a rite of passage in some parts of the country, with schools closing for the opening day of hunting season so their students can take part in the hunt.  Hunting can be a way to provide food for the table as well as offer a life-long bonding experience. Unfortunately hunting can also be dangerous.  Each year there are approximately 160 reported hunting accidents, with an average of approximately 50 deaths each year.  Almost 20 percent of hunting injuries and deaths involve children under the age of 18.

The Cause of Most Hunting Accidents

Most hunting accidents occur when one hunter accidentally shoots another.  How can this happen?  There can be several causes. Primary among them is simply the number of people blundering around in the same area in which hunters are looking for any signs of movement that might signal that game is present.  Why is this such a problem? It might not be if all hunters were trained – but the simple fact of the matter is that most hunters have gone through little training that specifically prepares them for the outdoor hunting experience. Most hunters are “trained” by a parent, accepting all of the good as well as the bad hunting traits that that parent hands down.  Another leading cause of accidents while hunting is one you may never have considered: heart attacks.  In fact, some experts claim that heart attacks while hunting account for more hunting deaths than accidental shootings. Alcohol is also responsible for many hunting-related accidents each year.  Other causes of accidents include falls from tree stands, accidental self-inflicted gunshots, becoming lost and either freezing or starving to death and falling into rivers or lakes and drowning.

How to Avoid Hunting Accidents

It’s not possible to avoid all hunting accidents.  The primary reason for this is because you cannot control the actions of other hunters.  However, there are things you can do to lessen your chances of becoming a hunting statistic. Wear a bright fluorescent orange vest to increase your visibility and make it less likely that another hunter will mistake you for game. Try to keep track of approximately where other hunters are located and do your best to keep out of any potential line of fire. Let other hunters know where you are and whenever possible keep within sight of other hunters so there is no mistaking you for game.  In fact, when possible, hunters should make a point of walking abreast of each other so that no one is in front of anyone else.  Still, in the heat of the moment, when game comes into view, it is common for a hunter to swing his or her rifle toward the game and fire, regardless of who or what might be in the way.
Never hunt on private property without the property-owner’s permission.
Being prepared and using common sense are two of your best defenses against hunting accidents.  Training in how to use guns properly and packing the proper clothing, food, matches  and medical necessities for your hunting trip can greatly lessen your chances of becoming another hunting statistic.

TSC Sources & Recommended Resources

• How to Hunt Safely