2006 TEXAS HUNTING ACCIDENTS ANALYSIS

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2006 TEXAS HUNTING ACCIDENTS ANALYSIS

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_rp_k0700_1124_2006.pdf

TEXAS HUNTING ACCIDENT PROFILE

• Violated a cardinal rule of hunter safety

• Anglo male; 29 years of age (average)

• Hunted deer with rifle; hog with handgun/rifle or dove/quail with shotgun

• Was not under the influence of alcohol

• Did not attend a hunter education (safety) course or program

• Did not wear any type of hunter orange clothing

• Was situated in or around vehicle

• Sustained a non-fatal injury

• If not self-inflicted – swung shotgun on game outside of safe zone of fire

• Had over 10 years of hunting experience

• If self-inflicted – handled firearm carelessly and/or carried loaded firearm in or around vehicle

• Distance of muzzle to wound was within 50 yards, mostly within 10 yards

• Victim was in light to open cover with clear visibility (weather)

• Accident occurred towards dusk; fatigue a factor

• Accident occurred on weekend during September or November

2006 Significant Factors

• South Texas Quail Hunting incident involving Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States, and Harry Whittington from Austin, garnered much attention for hunting accident awareness and prevention.

• Careless handling while loading, transporting, removing from vehicles, crawling and running with loaded firearms.

• Squirrel, rabbit and non-game hunting incidents up.

• Hunter judgment mishaps down; skill and aptitude problems up.

• More teenage shooters involved in 2006 hunting incidents; less accidents in the 30-39-age category.

• Number of Hunter Education Graduates increased significantly.

• More self-inflicted injuries than in the past.