No Fatalities in Arkansas Hunting Seasons for 2023-24
A recent report from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reveals a remarkable achievement in the state’s hunting history: not a single hunting fatality occurred during the 2023-24 seasons.
This remarkable result marks the first season without fatalities since 2018. The report highlights significant improvements in safety measures, particularly involving firearms.
According to Joe Huggins, the AGFC Hunter Education Program coordinator, there were only 19 total incidents requiring hospitalization. Two of these involved firearms, while another involved a crossbow. The most common cause of incidents was treestand falls, with 14 reported cases—all of which lacked the use of safety harnesses. Huggins emphasizes the importance of wearing such harnesses, especially during climber and exit phases, when accidents are more likely.
Huggins also stressed the need for proper equipment maintenance. This includes inspecting treestands before use, especially if left up for extended periods, and avoiding equipment with signs of wear and tear.
The overall injury rate for hunting in Arkansas remains extremely low, at 0.006%, making it one of the safest outdoor activities. This achievement underscores the importance of continued education and safety awareness among hunters in the state.
