By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed another year of safe hunting, with participation remaining strong across the state.
Nearly 600,000 New Yorkers take part in hunting annually, supporting wildlife management goals while enjoying outdoor recreation.
“The historic low number of incidents observed in 2025 demonstrates that hunting is safe and is getting safer thanks to the efforts of DEC’s Hunter Education Program, volunteer instructors, and the vigilance of New York’s hunters,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
“In addition to being safe, hunting is ecologically important, helping manage wildlife populations, promoting conservation-related behaviors, and providing a local, affordable food source. I am proud of our team’s efforts to grow New York’s hunting community.”
The 2025 season recorded the safest number of hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) in state history, with just seven cases reported. Of these, five were self-inflicted, while two involved multiple individuals. One case included an unlicensed hunter. Notably, there were no fatalities linked to these incidents.
Officials emphasize that most accidents can be avoided by following essential firearm safety rules, including treating every firearm as loaded, maintaining proper muzzle control, identifying the target and surroundings, keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, and wearing visible hunter orange or pink.
The DEC also recorded nine incidents involving falls from tree stands or elevated platforms, including one fatality. These accidents highlight the importance of using proper safety equipment, particularly a fall-arrest system (FAS), to reduce risks when hunting from elevated positions.
A FAS includes:
- A full-body harness with shoulder, chest, and leg straps
- A strap that attaches securely to the tree
- A tether strap connecting the harness to the tree strap
- A lifeline for safe climbing and descending
- A suspension relief strap for emergency situations
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: New York, Government & Policy