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What the Experts Say About Hunter Safety Education

Below is a sample of statements made by hunter safety instructors in various states.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hunter educator Joe Huggins said, "Educating hunters is the reason for the low number of accidents."

"The incident rates have gone down significantly since the program became mandatory in 1993," said Ray Metzler, hunter education coordinator for the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. "The past 10 years has been our safest decade."

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation states that "Over the past 30 years, hunting related accidents and fatalities have declined by more than 70 percent in Oklahoma. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say mandatory hunter education courses have not only reduced accidents within Oklahoma, but also in every state and Canadian province with similar programs."

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department states that "It's no accident that hunting is a safe activity. That's because today's hunters are better educated than ever before. They're going into the field knowing how to hunt safely and responsibly ... a knowledge provided by hunter education courses."

In Maryland, the Department of Natural Resources says that "The goals of Maryland's Hunter Education Programs include the reduction of hunting accidents and violations; promotion of safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunting activities and to continue the traditions of the hunting experience."

Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources says that "Hunter education is offered in each state, Canadian province, and parts of Mexico. Since its implementation, there has been a tremendous decline in hunting related accidents across the country."

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources says that "This [mandatory hunter safety course] law is working; since 1996 Utah has averaged less than seven hunting accidents per year. During that time, Utah has had only two hunting firearm-related fatalities. Hunting is safe and getting safer."

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says that "With more than 1,700,000 students certified to date, statistics show hunting fatalities and injuries from firearms have declined nearly 80 percent. Similar results are being reported across the country. Hunter education is working, and working well! Hunter education – it's fun, it's effective, and it's waiting for you. Give it a try!"

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Hunter Education allows hunting to be one of the safest outdoor recreations

California Department of Fish and Game: Hunting accidents of all types have declined substantially since the start of the [mandatory hunter safety education] program

Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife: The intent of the program is to preserve Delaware's heritage of hunting through education. With an emphasis on safety, the program has proven to be extremely effective in reducing hunting accidents.

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources: Since [hunter safety education's] implementation, there has been a tremendous decline in hunting related accidents across the country.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources: The Illinois Hunter Education Program was designed to improve safety and to develop an attitude of respect for wildlife and the environment.

Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks: Kansas Hunter Education teaches new hunters to be responsible hunters. Responsible hunters are ethical, safe and knowledgeable.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries states that "the major objectives of the Hunter Education programs are" to "reduce the number of hunting accidents."

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries & Parks: Since 1950, when formal hunter safety programs were introduced, the number of hunting and firearms-related accidents has declined dramatically nationwide. In Mississippi, we know that our hunter education efforts have reduced firearms accidents and saved lives.

Families Afield readily admits that firearm safety is important. They state in their literature that "Hunting-related shooting incidents have declined by 31 percent over the past 10 years," attributing this to the 70,000 hunter educators who teach basic safety.

Updated Jan. 23, 2007

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