Since hunting season in November attracts approximately 180,000 deer hunters in Alabama. But whether you are a veteran hunter or just a beginner, we all must be aware of hunting safety tips to avoid serious injury or death while enjoying the outdoors.
Alabama Hunting Incident Statistics
According to a report by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, there were 20 total incidents between September 1, 2018 and August 30, 2019. Six of these incidents were fatal, three fatal tree stand incidents (falls from heights), two incidents due to self-inflicted wounds, one involved a victim who was mistaken for game.
Common potential accidents include:
- Firing at an incorrect target
- Carelessly handling a firearm
- Falling off a tree while attempting to put up a stand or because of a broken cable
Compared to other sports, American Sports Data and the National Shooting Sports Foundation claim hunting is not as dangerous as football, basketball, tennis, cheerleading, and even bowling. This is mainly due to the demand from all hunters to uphold a high standard of safety and passing important safety tips along to fellow hunters.
Hunting Safety Tips
If you plan on hunting this season, always consider the following precautions:
- Follow firearm safety practices
- Whenever you’re handling a gun or rifle, always treat it like it is loaded
- Your finger should remain off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
- Only point your firearm at your intended target, never at another person
- Before firing your weapon, clearly identify your target and look beyond it to see if there are other hunters
- Do not use alcohol or drugs while hunting
- Wear the proper attire
- Wear ear and eye protection when hunting
- Wear hunter orange to be seen, including your hunting dog
- Dress for the weather—which means always check it prior to hunting—such as warm layers and water-repelling clothing, especially if it is cold and wet outdoors, which could place hunters at risk of hypothermia
- Follow tree stand safety practices
- Always be aware of the edge of the platform
- Do your best to stay awake while waiting for game to appear
- Equip yourself with a harness or other fall restraints when using a tree stand and always wear it from the moment you start your climb up until you’re back on the ground
- Hunt with at least one other person
- You and your partner could watch each other’s back
- If either person is involved in an accident, the other could seek immediate help
- If you enjoy hunting alone, tell at least one other person when and where you’re going to hunt
What Happens If I’m Injured in a Hunting Accident?
If you or a loved one is a victim of a hunting accident due to another hunter’s negligence or a defective tree stand, our Alabama legal team at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC can help you recover the financial compensation to pay for medical costs, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. With more than 130 years of collective experience and tens of millions of dollars won on behalf of our clients, we understand what it takes to get the monetary damages and justice you and your family deserve.
For more information about hunting accidents in Alabama, contact ustoday at (844) 654-6228 and schedule a free consultation.
