How to Prevent Hunting Injuries

Hunting comes with a risk of injury, like any sport. Hunting injuries can include gun (firearm) accidents, falls from tree stands, drowning, and more. Many of these injuries can be prevented with proper training and preparation and with the safe use of clothing and equipment.

You can start by following the safety tips below. You may also be able to find a hunting safety course through your state fish, game, or wildlife service.

What actions can I take to prevent hunting injuries?

Firearm and bow safety

• Become familiar with your local hunting laws. Always check hunting laws before planning to hunt in another place.
• Take a hunting safety class, firearm safety class, or both. This may be required to get a hunting license in some places.
  • Hunters ages 12–17 may need to take a hunting safety course to get a youth hunting license.
• Take a bow hunting class and get a bow hunter certificate. This may be required by law in some places.
• Do not drink alcohol or take medicines that make you drowsy while hunting.
• Before loading the firearm or bow:
  • Always check your firearm or bow for signs of damage.
  • Make sure debris, clothing, jewelry, and hair are clear from the firing mechanisms.
• Only use the ammunition that is intended for your firearm. Store ammunition separate from firearms.
• Always assume that your firearm is loaded and take the proper precautions.
• Only point your firearm or bow at something you plan to shoot. Know what is beyond your target.
• Do not put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Do not rely only on the firearm’s safety mechanism. Use other safety devices, like gun locks and a gun safe, to help secure firearms and keep them away from others who should not use them.
• Unload your firearm or bow when you are done, and keep it unloaded when you are not using it.
• When riding in a vehicle, make sure your firearm or bow is unloaded and safely secured.
• Never carry your firearm or bow into a tree stand. Use a rope to pull the firearm or bow up before you go up, and lower the firearm or bow down before you come down.

Dressing for the environment

• Wear bright orange clothing to protect yourself from other hunters. Hunters who wear orange are much less likely to be shot accidentally.
• Before you leave home, check the weather report for the area where you will be hunting. Prepare for the worst weather that might happen.
  • For wet weather, bring rain gear and at least one dry change of clothes.
  • For cold weather, dress in layers. Bring clothing to keep your head, feet, and hands warm.
• Bring or wear supportive shoes that are appropriate for the terrain and the weather. Bring extra pairs of socks.
• If you will be in the sun, make sure you apply sunblock, wear a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses. Reapply sunblock every 2 hours.

Back country safety

• Never use an old wooden tree stand. Falling from a tree stand is one of the most frequent hunting injuries. Take a portable stand with you, and do not go higher than 20 ft (6.1 m).
• Get in shape before you go hunting. Hiking and carrying gear or an animal carcass is hard work. Being out of shape can lead to an injury or even a heart attack.
• Do not go hunting alone. Youth hunters should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Make a plan for where you will hunt and when you will return. Share the plan with someone at home.
• Check all your gear and supplies before you leave. Bring water, food, a first aid kit, a compass, a map, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
• Do not drink water directly from ponds or streams. Always filter, purify, or boil water before drinking.
• If you are staying overnight, set up camp before dark.
• Build a fire in a safe area, away from your tent or shelter and other fire fuel materials like dry grasses, sticks, and trees.
• Do not leave food or garbage around your campsite and personal shelter. If you are hunting in an area with bear activity, secure food and other scented personal items in a bag or container high up in a tree.

Water safety

• If you hunt from a boat or use a boat to get to a hunting location, take a boating safety course.
• Do not drink alcohol or take medicines that make you drowsy while boating.
• To avoid flipping the boat:
  • Be careful getting in and out of the boat.
  • While in the boat, avoid sudden movements.
  • Do not lean outside of the boat. Keep gear and body weight centered in the boat.
  • Distribute your gear evenly inside the boat.
• Do not overload your boat. Check the maximum recommended load for your boat, and do not exceed that.
• Always wear a life jacket, and have enough life jackets for everyone in the boat.
• Keep the bottom of the boat clear of uncoiled anchor or docking lines.
• Do not stand while shooting from a boat.

ATV and snowmobile safety

• Take an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile safety course.
• Always wear a helmet when you are driving or riding an ATV or snowmobile.
• Do not drink alcohol or take medicine that makes you drowsy while driving.
• Obey all safety signs on trails and shared roads.

Where to find more information

• Your area’s fish, game, or wildlife service.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: www.fws.gov  
• U.S. Forest Service: www.fs.fed.us  

Summary

• Hunting injuries can be prevented by taking steps to make sure that you are trained, prepared, and using equipment safely.
• Take safety courses for hunting, boating, and operating an ATV.
• Practice firearm and bow safety before, during, and after hunting. This includes checking your equipment, wearing orange, and always assuming the firearm is loaded.