No Hunting Fatalities Reported in Arkansas for 2023-24 Seasons
For the first time since 2018, there were no fatalities from hunting accidents in Arkansas during the 2023-24 hunting seasons. This significant achievement reflects the positive impact of education and awareness efforts by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and other organizations.
The report indicated that there were only two hunting incidents involving a firearm from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. This represents a remarkable reduction in hunting accidents. Additionally, a slight increase was noted in hunting incidents requiring hospitalization, with 14 out of 19 incidents involving falls from tree stands where a safety harness was not used.
AGFC Hunter Education Program Coordinator Joe Huggins emphasized the importance of wearing safety harnesses, comparing them to life jackets in boating. He highlighted that even falls from a few feet can cause severe damage or death if proper precautions are not taken. Huggins also advised hunters to check their equipment regularly to ensure safety.
The low number of incidents substantiates hunting as one of the safest sports. With an estimated 320,000 hunters in Arkansas last year, the injury rate stands at a mere 0.006%. This figure is significantly lower than many other outdoor activities.
- Takeaways:
- No fatalities from hunting accidents in Arkansas during 2023-24 seasons
- Only two hunting incidents involving a firearm reported
- Most hospitalizations due to falls from tree stands without safety harnesses
- Hunting remains one of the safest sports with a low injury rate
