Half of last year’s hunting incidents were people who accidently shot themselves.
That’s why the Wisconsin DNR is reminding hunters to make safety their No. 1 target as they head out into the field this gun deer season, Nov. 18-26.
DNR conservation wardens investigated eight hunting incidents, including one fatality, during the 2022 gun-deer season. Four of those were self-inflicted gun shots.
“I especially want to stress the importance of muzzle control – as you can see from 2022, there are quite a few people who accidentally shot themselves,” says Lt. Mike Weber, DNR Hunter Education Administrative Warden. “If those same people had proper muzzle control, that likely would not have happened.”
Hunters can do their part to reduce the number of hunting incidents by following the four basic rules of firearm safety:
T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
In addition to TABK, hunters must follow all hunting regulations and only take aim during legal shooting hours.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. To learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and to register for a hunter education course, visit the DNR’s website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/HuntingSafety
