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Only Two Firearm Hunting Accidents In 2002; Down From 2001 and 20-Year Average
04/04/2003
WGFD
CHEYENNE – Although still trying to reach the ultimate goal of zero, Wyoming only suffered two firearm hunting accidents in 2002 – both non-fatal -- which was down from three the year before and the 20-year average of 6.3.
“Of course we’re pleased to see the drop in accidents for the second year, we’re especially pleased that neither accident was associated with a vehicle,” said Helen McCracken, hunter education coordinator for the Game and Fish Department.
She hopes 2002 signals a trend in hunters showing greater firearm caution around vehicles. In 2001, two of the three accidents reported were vehicle related.
Both 2002 accidents involved youth victims. One was coyote hunting in Platte County and the other a self-inflicted injury when pursuing pheasants in Goshen County.
All hunting accidents are preventable, McCracken believes, and the G&F strives for no accidents annually. But, with just two accidents out of 205,000 Wyoming hunting licenses sold in 2002 and when the several hundred persons who do not need a license to shoot prairie dogs and coyotes are added in, it reflects the overall safety of hunting.
“Compared to the ‘50s and ‘60s when 25-30 accidents were reported each year, we’ve really made progress,” she said. “But the goal will always be no accidents each hunting season.”
Wyoming’s firearm hunting accidents in 2002:
On Nov. 1, two teenage boys were coyote hunting just southeast of Glendo Reservoir. They spotted a coyote and decided to exchange guns. The 17-year-old Glendo lad in front receiving a .22 semi-automatic. The 16-year-old Douglas youngster in the rear accepted a .22 bolt action from his partner. In closing the bolt, the .22 discharged striking the Glendo boy in the back. The victim was taken by ambulance to the Platte County Hospital and transferred to United Medical Center in Cheyenne for surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery. The shooter was ticketed for reckless endangerment.
A father, two sons and a family friend were pheasant hunting Nov. 9 near Yoder. Standing on the shoulder of the road, the wind blew the 14-year-old’s cap off. As he reached for it, he dropped his over-and-under 12- gauge. Both barrels discharged on contact with the ground striking the young man’s right wrist and forearm. From the Torrington Hospital he was flown by helicopter to Denver, but his hand had to be amputated. Investigation revealed the single-triggered shotgun had a history of simultaneously firing both barrels.
04/04/2003
WGFD
CHEYENNE – Although still trying to reach the ultimate goal of zero, Wyoming only suffered two firearm hunting accidents in 2002 – both non-fatal -- which was down from three the year before and the 20-year average of 6.3.
“Of course we’re pleased to see the drop in accidents for the second year, we’re especially pleased that neither accident was associated with a vehicle,” said Helen McCracken, hunter education coordinator for the Game and Fish Department.
She hopes 2002 signals a trend in hunters showing greater firearm caution around vehicles. In 2001, two of the three accidents reported were vehicle related.
Both 2002 accidents involved youth victims. One was coyote hunting in Platte County and the other a self-inflicted injury when pursuing pheasants in Goshen County.
All hunting accidents are preventable, McCracken believes, and the G&F strives for no accidents annually. But, with just two accidents out of 205,000 Wyoming hunting licenses sold in 2002 and when the several hundred persons who do not need a license to shoot prairie dogs and coyotes are added in, it reflects the overall safety of hunting.
“Compared to the ‘50s and ‘60s when 25-30 accidents were reported each year, we’ve really made progress,” she said. “But the goal will always be no accidents each hunting season.”
Wyoming’s firearm hunting accidents in 2002:
On Nov. 1, two teenage boys were coyote hunting just southeast of Glendo Reservoir. They spotted a coyote and decided to exchange guns. The 17-year-old Glendo lad in front receiving a .22 semi-automatic. The 16-year-old Douglas youngster in the rear accepted a .22 bolt action from his partner. In closing the bolt, the .22 discharged striking the Glendo boy in the back. The victim was taken by ambulance to the Platte County Hospital and transferred to United Medical Center in Cheyenne for surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery. The shooter was ticketed for reckless endangerment.
A father, two sons and a family friend were pheasant hunting Nov. 9 near Yoder. Standing on the shoulder of the road, the wind blew the 14-year-old’s cap off. As he reached for it, he dropped his over-and-under 12- gauge. Both barrels discharged on contact with the ground striking the young man’s right wrist and forearm. From the Torrington Hospital he was flown by helicopter to Denver, but his hand had to be amputated. Investigation revealed the single-triggered shotgun had a history of simultaneously firing both barrels.
