Contrary to popular belief, hunting has proven to be safer than many of the sports Americans participate in on a daily basis.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Hunter Education Program, it’s safer than football, baseball, soccer and even golf. In fact, it is more common to be struck by lightning than to be shot and killed in a hunting incident.
In Athens County, there have been two non-fatal incidents since 2006. Statewide, there are around ten per year.
There are many precautions that the state takes before allowing someone to hunt, which is why the number of incidents are so low.
All first-time hunters must acquire their license by successfully completing the Hunter Education Program. ODNR’s Division of Wildlife employees typically teach the courses free of charge.
In addition to the license, there are several permits that a hunter must have before hunting.
Hunters also can’t hold more than three rounds according to ODNR’s website.
“The fourth, fifth and sixth rounds are usually the ones that hit people because they are taking longer shots,” said Tom Donnelly, Law Enforcement Supervisor for the ODNR’s Southeast Ohio district.
Hunters are also required to wear orange, which also helps prevent incidents.
It is against the law to hunt any wild animal, except waterfowl, or ducks, geese and other migratory game birds, from a half hour before sunrise to sunset without wearing a coat, vest, jacket or coveralls that are not solid orange or camouflage orange.
Sunrise and Sunset times can be found on the ODNR website.
Other than being a family tradition, hunters in Southeast Ohio greatly benefit from the sport because the meat, especially deer, feeds their families, Donnelly said.
