MI: Hundreds of hunting accidents in just a few select years

December 25, 2009

Wildlife notes: Firearm season safest ever for state

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported that the Nov. 15-30 firearm season was the safest on record in Michigan with no fatalities. Only one hunting fatality - during the spring turkey season - was reported the entire 2009 hunting season, DNR Law Enforcement Division records show.

"Michigan has seen a continued drop in hunter casualty incidents since implementation of mandatory hunter education and mandatory hunter orange laws," said Sgt. Jon Wood, program supervisor for the DNR's Hunter Education Program.

The 2009 hunting season recorded 12 hunting-related accidents, and just one fatality. In 2005, the DNR recorded 19 accidents with three fatalities; and in 2000, there were seven fatalities and 32 accidents. In 1950, the department recorded 25 fatalities and 190 accidents.

Hunter safety training became mandatory for first-time hunters ages 12-16 in 1971; while wearing hunter orange became law in 1977. In 1970, there were 18 fatalities and 212 accidents. Ten years later, the number of fatalities dropped to nine, while the number of accidents decreased to 107.

Return to Hunting Accident Index

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