Michigan Has Safest Hunting Season in Five Years

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    only one fatal hunting accident this yearMARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News)State wildlife officials say the 2012 hunting season saw only one fatality in the 15 incidents reported to the Department of Natural Resources, making it the safest season in the last five years.

    While there were three fewer incidents reported in 2011, there were five fatalities in that year.  Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler says the DNR continues to emphasize the importance of the hunter orange law, knowing your target and safe firearm handling, and how they all are key factors in having a safe season.

    Hagler added they also continue to encourage mentors to work closely with youth hunters to teach them safe firearm handling skills.

    One incident this year involved a hunter under the age of 10. The lone fatality last year occurred in St. Clair County on September 20 when a coyote hunter reportedly shot and killed another hunter in an apparent accident.  A total of three hunting incidents involved minors as the shooter, with the youngest being six years old.

    Hagler credits Michigan’s hunter education program with Michigan’s low rates of incidents over the last few years.

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