New York Had 19 Hunting-Related Shooting Incidents In 2017

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The Department of Environmental Conservation says there were 19 hunting-related shooting incidents last year, the second-lowest on record.

The agency also reports 12 tree stand accidents in 2017, the first year it has recorded such injuries.

Of the 19 shooting accidents, 14 involved two people and 11 of the victims weren't wearing hunter orange. Five of the shootings were self-inflicted and one resulted in a death that officials say could have been prevented if hunting laws and common sense were followed.

Of the 12 tree stand accidents investigated, six were fatal. In 75 percent of the accidents, hunters weren't wearing any kind of full-body harness to secure themselves.

Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said tree stand accidents are becoming a major cause of hunting-related injuries nationwide.