New York State hunters had the second safest year on record with only 22 shooting related incidents throughout the 2014 season according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens says that's the lowest of any year since only 19 were recorded in 2013.

“Hunting is a tradition in New York State that continues to be safely enjoyed by many,” said Commissioner Martens. “Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative recognizes all the benefits the sporting community brings to New York’s economy and commends hunters for continuing their safe hunting practices. I thank our hunters for following the safety guidelines and for making this past year a successful hunting season.”

While one accident did involve a fatality, eight were self-inflicted, eleven happened within the same hunting party and three where the shooter and victim did not know each other.

2014 was also the first year on record without an incident during Spring turkey season.

New York's hunting accident rate has fallen by more than 75% since the 1960's and the past five-year average is down to 4.3 incidents per 100,000 hunters, compared to 19 per 100,000 in the '60's.

“These declining statistics prove that New York has a safety-conscious generation of hunters," Martens added.  "This is due in part to the committed efforts of more than 2,500 volunteer Sportsman Education Instructors who are trained and certified by DEC."

Martens says while hunting is safer than ever in New York, accidents do happen, but every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable if the following rules are taken into account:

  • assume every firearm to be loaded
  • control the firearm muzzle in a safe direction
  • keep finger off the trigger until ready to fire
  • identify your target and what lies beyond
  • wear hunter orange

For more information on hunting safety or to sign up for a free safety course, visit the DEC website.

 

More From WIBX 950