There is a high risk of hunting accidents in Wisconsin – How to stay safe in the field

There is a high risk of hunting accidents in Wisconsin – How to stay safe in the field

• A new study highlights the states where hunters are most at risk based on hunting activity and firearms controls in 2024.
• Wyoming is the state with the highest risk of hunting accidents, with the highest number of long gun checks and hunting licenses issued, resulting in a risk score of 9.6.
• Wisconsin ranks tenth with a risk score of 5.

A new study shows where hunters are at greatest risk of accidents and offers important safety tips. According to a recent study by Florida-based law firm Anidjar & Levine, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota top the list of states with the highest potential for hunting-related incidents.

The study analyzed 2024 FBI and US Fish and Wildlife Service data and ranked states by long gun controls and hunting licenses issued per 100,000 residents. States with the highest average scores received the highest risk scores, indicating a higher risk of hunting accidents.

Wyoming is most at risk of hunting accidents this year, with the highest risk rating of 9.6. In 2024, 2,601.97 long gun inspections were conducted and 22,632.21 hunting licenses were issued per 100,000 residents in Wyoming.

Montana takes second place with a risk score of 9.2. The state has averaged 2,758.19 long gun inspections and 20,948.93 hunting licenses issued per 100,000 residents so far this year.

South Dakota takes third place with a risk score of 8.5. South Dakota’s score is calculated from 24,726.16 hunting licenses issued and 1,844.74 long gun inspections per 100,000 residents.

Fourth follows North Dakotawith a risk value of 8.0. In 2024, 2,168.06 long gun inspections were conducted and 18,892.22 hunting licenses were issued per 100,000 residents in the state.

West Virginia ranks fifth with a risk score of 6.7. So far in 2024, 14,976.97 hunting licenses have been issued and 1,931.73 long gun checks have been carried out per 100,000 inhabitants.

Alaska With a risk score of 6.6, it ranks sixth nationally. This year, Alaska issued 12,836.27 hunting licenses and conducted 2,090.93 long gun inspections per 100,000 residents.

Idaho And Maine Tied for seventh place with a risk score of 6.2. Idaho issued 14,802.78 hunting licenses and conducted 1,689.80 long gun inspections per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, so far in 2024, Maine has conducted 1,607.70 long gun inspections and issued 15,310.07 hunting licenses per 100,000 residents.

Eighth is Oregonwith a risk value of 5.7. In the state this year, 2,117.02 long gun inspections were conducted and 7,870.73 hunting licenses were issued per 100,000 residents.

In ninth place is Tennesseewith a risk value of 5.1. Tennessee issued 11,845.55 hunting licenses and conducted 1,412.57 long gun inspections per 100,000 residents this year.

Wisconsin And Alabama are tied for tenth place with a risk value of 5.0. Wisconsin conducted 1,423.44 long gun inspections this year and issued 11,245.86 hunting licenses per 100,000 residents. Alabama has issued 9,526.81 hunting licenses and conducted 1,589.99 long gun inspections per 100,000 residents so far in 2024.

Top safety tips for hunters

Hunters in these high-risk states – and across the country – are encouraged to prioritize safety by following these tips:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, even if you think the gun is unloaded.
• Discharge firearms when crossing obstacles: This includes fences, trees or uneven terrain to prevent accidental discharge.
• Store firearms and ammunition separately: Make sure they are kept out of the reach of children.
• Communicate your plans: Always let someone know your hunting location and expected return time to ensure help can be called if something goes wrong.

A spokesman for Anidjar & Levine commented on the results:

“Hunting can be incredibly dangerous; Therefore, hunters must take safety measures when participating in the activity. Hunters should view every firearm as loaded and always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

“Discharge your firearm when crossing fences, climbing trees or traversing slippery terrain. It is also advisable to store firearms and ammunition separately and always keep them out of the reach of children.

“Be sure to let someone know your hunting plans, location and expected return. Your loved ones may recognize the possibility of an accident if the endeavor does not go according to plan.”

Story credit: https://www.anidjarlevine.com/

methodology

The potential for hunting accidents in each state was based on an index value composed of the following factors:

• Average hunting licenses issued per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024

Sourced from US Fish and Wildlife Service

• Average long gun checks per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024

Source: www.fbi.gov

Each factor was given a maximum of ten points, and the higher the average number of long gun inspections and hunting licenses issued, the higher the score. These scores were then combined to create an average score for each state, which was determined to be a “risk score.”

Therefore, the ranking was determined by the states with the highest risk scores.

Complete rankings

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