Preventing Hunting Accidents

Ed Van Dorn

Contributor

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Most hunting accidents can be avoided. Hunters moving into the line of fire of other hunters, and mistaking other hunters for game are among the most common causes of hunting accidents. Wearing flourescent orange greatly reduces the risk of accident.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is urging hunters to include some fluorescent hunter orange clothing with their other essential gear. Statistics prove that hunter's wearing this bright color are far less likely to be injured in a hunting accident.

Chris Saunders is Vermont's Hunter Education Coordinator. He says, "Hunter orange is highly visible to humans, but not to deer. The hunters who wear it are just as likely to be successful, yet nationwide data shows they are seven times less likely to be shot by another hunter." Hunters moving into the line of fire of other hunters, and mistaking other hunters for game are among the most common causes of hunting accidents. The wearing of flourescent orange greatly reduces the chances of these occurances.

Studies show that in the vast majority of accidents caused by hunters mistaking other hunters for game, the victim was not wearing flourescent orange. See The Burlington Free Press for its article on the topic.

As a personal injury law firm serving rural Vermont and New Hampshire we've seen first hand the devastation to life and limb that hunting accidents can cause. We know that the vast majority of these accidents are avoidable when hunters follow the well established hunter safety rules. Please wear the appropriate gear and follow the rules. They are meant for all of us. Happy and safe hunting.