An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April, 2024 eNewsletter.
By Lt. Michael Weber, DNR Hunter Education Administrative Warden
As a warden, I’m often asked: “Is hunting a safe thing to be doing in this state?”
In short, the answer is yes.
Hunting incidents are relatively rare. These events are defined as an incident in which a person has been injured or killed by the discharge of a firearm or arrow/bolt while hunting, fishing or trapping.
Better yet, the sport is only getting safer. This can be attributed to our state’s mandatory hunter education program, the hard work of dedicated volunteer instructors, regulatory changes and media outreach efforts. In fact, the number of annual hunting incidents statewide has decreased by nearly 96% since the creation of the hunter education program in 1967.
With that said, even one hunting incident is too many. These incidents still do happen. That means we have more work to do.
All hunters can help make Wisconsin a safer place to hunt and recreate in the great outdoors. Waterfowl hunters are no exception.
During the past 10 years (2014 – 2023), waterfowl hunting incidents have accounted for approximately 10.3% of all hunting incidents. Nearly half (47.1%) of the waterfowl hunting incidents during this time were same-party incidents, meaning a hunter shot another member of their hunting party. And 35.3% of the waterfowl hunting incidents during this time were self-inflicted shots. The average age of the shooter in waterfowl hunting incidents during this time was just older than 31.
Waterfowl hunting incidents are preventable, like other hunting incidents. That prevention starts with following and practicing the four primary rules of firearm safety, otherwise known as the TABK formula:
- Treat every firearm as if it was loaded.
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Be certain of your target, what is before and beyond it.
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
Although hunting in Wisconsin is a safe activity enjoyed by many, accidents can happen – even to experienced hunters. Should you ever find yourself involved in a hunting incident, remember state law requires any person who injures or kills another person while hunting, fishing or trapping to do the following:
- Provide their name and address to the other person.
- Help the other person if possible.
- Obtain immediate medical or hospital care.
- Report the accident without delay to law enforcement officials.
More information on hunting incidents is available on the DNR’s hunting webpage.