Annual Report on Hunting Accidents Published and Made Public

RALEIGH, N.C.  – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has released its annual report on hunting accidents, which shows a drop in injuries and fatalities from the previous hunting season.

“Hunting is made safe by responsible hunters,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state’s hunting safety coordinator. “Outdoor recreation of any type carries risks, and it is up to participants to reduce those risks. While the number of hunting accidents is down, the goal is an accident-free hunting season. Prevention and education go hand-in-hand.”

The North Carolina Report of Hunting and Hunting-Related Accidents and Fatalities 2006-2007 is available online at www.ncwildlife.org or by request upon calling (919) 707-0030. It includes contributing factors in each fatal accident, as well as details, related statistics and comparisons of circumstances of all reported accidents.

North Carolina had five fatalities during the 2006-2007 hunting season, with only one fatality resulting from a firearm-related incident. There were 33 non-fatal accidents listed, for a total of 38 accidents. That’s a reduction from the eight fatalities and 34 non-fatality accidents recorded in 2005-2006, according to the report.

“The report is useful in analyzing how accidents could have been prevented and where to focus the safety message,” Capt. Huebner said. “When wildlife officers investigate hunting accidents, it is typical to find a violation of one or more of the cardinal safety rules. Comparisons to other sports and outdoors-related injuries through data compiled by the National Safety Council shows hunting is one of the safest recreational pursuits enjoyed in the United States.

“A crucial difference in reducing accidents in North Carolina has been our hunter education efforts and the state requirement for everyone to successfully complete a hunter education course before buying a first-time hunting license.”

Hunter education courses are offered free in every county by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. More than a firearm safety class, these courses emphasize hunter ethics, wildlife identification, conservation and game management, first aid and specialty hunting. More attention is being devoted to tree stand safety.

“All four of the non-firearm related fatalities involved falls from a tree stand,” Capt. Huebner said. “Unfortunately, none of the victims wore a fall restraint system, which is strongly recommended by hunter education instructors.”

For Hunter Education information, game regulations and additional information go online to www.ncwildlife.org, or call (919) 707-0031.