No hunting accident fatals in Wyo. in 2007
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) For the second year in a row, there were only two
firearm related hunting accidents reported in Wyoming in 2007.
Jim Dawson, hunter education coordinator with the state Game and Fish
Department, said both incidents last year could easily have been
prevented by following safe firearm handling practices.
In Laramie County, two young men were riding down a county road on a
coyote hunting trip. The truck hit a bump in the road and the
passenger's rifle discharged, hitting the driver in the left arm.
Dawson said the accident could easily have been prevented by not
having a loaded gun in a vehicle.
The other accident occurred in Fremont County when a 13-year old boy
was shot in the lower left leg by his 14 year old brother. The two were
hunting deer and after shooting at a deer, the two went to recover the
game. The older brother tripped on a rock, fell, and the rifle went off.
According to the ambulance crew, the boy's life was saved due to
emergency first aid rendered by the supervising adult on the hunting
trip.
Dawson said that while every incident is tragic, considering the tens
of thousands of hunters in Wyoming every year, the few accidents confirm
that hunting is a safe activity.
''The goals of the Hunter Education Program are to reduce hunting
related accidents and violations, promote safe, responsible and
knowledgeable hunting, and enhance hunting traditions and values,''
Dawson said.
''We now have more than 400 instructors, who include game wardens,
volunteers and professional educators,'' he said. ''These volunteer
instructors certify an average of 3,500 students each year.''
