New York State Hunter Safety Report: 2024 Marks Second Safest Year

Today (February 14, 2025), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced hunter safety statistics for 2024.

2024 was declared another safe year of hunting seasons throughout the Empire State, becoming the second safest year on record. The report documents hunting-related shooting incidents and tree stand/elevated hunting incidents.

There were 11 hunting-related shooting incidents in 2024. There were four two-party firearm incidents, a self-inflicted fatality, and two incidents that involved persons who were not legally hunting.

Hunting-related incidents are preventable when hunters follow safe and legal hunting practices and proper tree-stand safety measures. Thanks to New York’s exceptional Hunter Education Program and hunters adhering to New York’s hunting regulations, requirements, and firearm safety, hunting continues to be a safe and enjoyable activity for hundreds of New Yorkers and visitors each year.  - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar

One reason the NYS DEC notes for the decrease in hunting incidents is due to first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers' requirement to complete a hunter or trapper safety course and pass the final exam before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license.

Read More: NYS DEC Deer (and Human) Rescue in Delhi New York

The NYS DEC notes that in 1966, there were 166 hunting-related shooting incidents. That number in 2024 was 11.

According to the NYS DEC, in 2024, there were 11 documented Elevated Hunting Incidents, but notes that not all falls are reported. Nine involved hunters failing to wear a safety harness or failing to connect the harness to a tree. And unfortunately, two of the falls were fatal. For more information on Elevated Hunting Incidents, visit the EHI page of the NYS DEC website.

For more information on the 2024 New York State hunting season statistics safety tips and the youth deer hunting pilot program, visit the Hunting Safety Statistics page from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.