New York had one of the safest hunting seasons on record in 2022.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is reporting this week it investigated 9 hunting related shootings last year. Five of those were self-inflicted, including one death. The shooters in each incident were all experienced hunters, but the agency says all 9 could’ve been prevented if safe hunting rules had been followed.
The agency said the low number is a tie with the safest year on record, which was 2021.
The department also investigated 13 incidents of falling from a tree stand or elevated hunting location in 2022. Four people died. A news release from the agency said safety harnesses were used in two of the 13 incidents.