Hunting is a wonderful sport that requires training, experience, and common sense. Once a Hunter pulls the trigger, or releases an arow, you can’t bring it back. Accidents can happen and sometimes death of a hunter is the outcome.
No one intentionally wants to have a hunting accident. Over 11 ½ million hunters venture afield each year in the US. 2/3 of them are carrying firearms. These weapons range from shotguns, handguns, pump guns, semi-automatic guns, and rifles, to military style rifles.
Sadly, fatal accidents do occur. Recently, 2 kids were killed when hunting, this past Thanksgiving. One 11-year-old, in Berlin, Wisconsin was shot by a 41-year-old companion hunter that was unloading his weapon in the back seat of a car. The accident happened in a parking lot.
In West Virginia, another youngster was killed while hunting with his dad. There are an average of 200 hunting firearm accidents a year. 1 in 10 ends fatally. Weapon accidents involving youth 12 and under are 7 per year. Kids between 13-17 are around 5 per year. These incidents are fewer than gun deaths in one evening in our large cities.
Ironically, the most fatal, and common accident for hunters, is falling out of tree stands. Self-inflicted knife and arrow wounds are also too common. Unhealthy and aged hunters also die from heart attacks and falling. Exposure is also a huge reason for hunter deaths.
Hunting is safer than most sports and outdoor activities. You can’t eliminate every accident but thanks to Hunter Education and firearm training, injuries are few.
Safety is a must when hunting. There are no excuses.
Montana Grant
