Report Highlights: More than 14 million Americans apply for hunting licenses annually. Hunting is statistically one of the safest hobbies.
- 80% of hunting accidents are attributed to human error.
- A hunter’s failure to properly identify a target is the leading cause of firearm-related hunting accidents (37%).
- There are between 3,000 and 4,000 reported injuries due to tree stands each year.
- 9% of reported hunting accidents in 2001 were fatal.
- 25% of all firearm-related hunting accidents involve a rifle.
- 23% of all firearm-related hunting accidents involve a shotgun.
- Hunting is the second safest hobby.
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Methodology and Definitions
Hunting accidents encompass any and all unintentional injuries and deaths that occur during hunting. Many hunting accidents go unreported, although those that result in moderate or severe injuries are often reported to the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA).
This article contains hunting accident statistics from a variety of sources worldwide. All information in the following sections was cross-referenced with peer-reviewed studies, databases, and articles to ensure accuracy in reporting.
What Are the Main Causes of Hunting Accidents?
Although hunting is safer than nearly every other sporting activity, approximately 1,000 firearm-related accidents do happen yearly. Of those, 100 lead to fatalities. 2 There are between 3,000 and 4,000 accidents involving tree stands annually, which result in 300 to 500 fatalities. 7
Some sources estimate that 80% of hunting accidents occur due to human error. Accidents related to human error are broad and may include a hunter’s failure to check equipment or watch their step. 1 Estimates involving tree stands vary between faulty equipment, carelessness, or even unsafe practices such as horseplay.
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