Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept. 24, 2024 – Over the years, when I’ve asked if hunting is a safe sport, the typical response is “no.”
However, looking at the number of injuries that occur each year, the statistics tell another story. Hunting can be very safe, especially when a few basic safety rules are followed.
Each year, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission publishes the “Hunter Incident Report” that details incidents that occurred while hunting in the prior fiscal year, July 1 – June 30.
This data is garnered from incidents that are reported and investigations often yield great insight into possible needs for regulations or for subjects that need to be stressed in education classes to continue to improve the safety of hunting.
Somewhere around 300,000 licensed hunters, including both residents and non-residents, enter the woods and fields of Arkansas each year. In recent years, the highest occurrence of incidents of injury occurred in the years 2003 and 2014, with 30 incidents reported in each of those years.
But most years the numbers are much fewer with under 20 reported incidents. While some of those incidents do result in some fatalities, most years are less than five.
The average person involved is typically a man in their fifties, and many of the incidents are self-inflicted. In the ’22-’23 report, for example, fourteen of the sixteen reported incidents were self-inflicted.
The leading cause of injury has held steady for many years, a fall from an elevated stand. In the ’22-’23 report, ten of the reported incidents were falls from stands.
Hunting can be safe, but it is up to the individual to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. Let’s take a quick look at a few tips to improve safety while hunting.
Wear an appropriate safety harness properly while in a tree stand. Try a few different ones to get the feel for what fits the best.
I also like to use a Lifeline type tether system while ascending or descending the tree. There are a few brands of these on the market, evaluate each one for the features you might prefer. In addition, use a haul rope or cord of some type to raise and lower gear from the stand.
Firearms safety is very important, both while hunting and at home. Control the muzzle and always point the firearm in a safe direction. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Identify the target and only aim once the target has been verified. Keep the safety on until time to fire. Carry the correct ammunition for the firearm and only load while in the act of hunting.
A few other tips, tell someone where you are going and when you will return, avoid alcohol while hunting and drink plenty of water. Also, be sure to wear hunter orange as required by law. It is also a good idea to wear hunter orange when pursuing small game like squirrel or rabbits.
Hunter Education is required to participate in hunting in Arkansas if the person is born after 1968. For a list of classes, click here.