Just in case you want to read about those accidents that will never happen to you or someone you know...

* A. Firearm/Bow & Hunting Related--An accident/incident resulting from the discharge of a firearm or bow while hunting, which causes the injury or death of any person(s).

Date
County
Shooter’s Age/Gender
Firearm
Animal Hunted
Self- Inflicted?

Hunter Ed? (Shooter)

4-2
Comments: Prevention



Bexar 36/M Rifle Opossum No No
Shooter shot at an opossum after dark and did not see that his friend was in the line of fire.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction; always stay within a safe zone of fire; communicate with hunting companions; know where others are positioned at all times; never fire from behind others; complete hunter education.

11-10
Comments: Prevention:



Polk 42/M Rifle Deer No No
Shooter was unloading his rifle at the rear of his truck after hunting. Gun discharged through the rear of the vehicle, striking victim in lower back as he sat in the cab of the truck
Always point muzzle in a safe direction; treat every firearm as if it is loaded; handle firearms carefully; complete hunter education.


11-17
Comments:
Prevention:



Lampasas 47/M Rifle Deer Yes No
Shooter was standing outside passenger door of vehicle. He had propped firearm against platform mounted on vehicle. Rifle slipped and discharged, first hitting his finger as he reached for falling gun, and then firearm hit the ground and discharged a second time hitting him in the groin. No visible exit wound.
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; handle firearms carefully; unload firearms before setting them against a stable rest; complete hunter education.


12-28
Comments:
Prevention:


Lamar 9/M Rifle Turkey Vulture No No
Nine year old shooter and 12 year old victim were hunting together in a field. Shooter took aim at a flying bird that was overhead and behind the victim. The shooter stumbled and the gun discharged during the fall when the muzzle was level with the victim. The .22 bullet entered the right side of his chest and exited to the left side of the upper back.
Always maintain muzzle control; make sure to identify the target clearly and what is in front of and behind the target before raising the sporting arm for a shot; know where others are positioned at all times; complete hunter education.

12-30
Comments Prevention




Cameron 13/M Rifle Unknown No No
Shooter and victim were in the backyard. Shooter was shooting at birds. Shooter said the gun was not loaded or he stumbled. Bullet struck victim in the head, killing him.
Always maintain muzzle control; make sure to identify the target clearly and what is in front of and behind the target before raising the sporting arm for a shot; know where others are positioned at all times; complete hunter education.


TPWD Accident Reports

Wow! That's sounds like some pretty nasty stuff. Thanks for posting it. It's a good reminder to be safe.

Many, if not most of these accidents happened during situations we've all experienced ourselves. They serve as great reminders of what can happen when we drop our guard.

I've said it before and l'll say it again. Most shooting related accidents can be easily avoided by simply waiting until you are in or on your stand before loading your firearm, and unloading it before you leave. There is no good reason to have a loaded firearm around a vehicle or in camp.

When I was about 10, I was unloading my 6mm and it went off!!! Luckily, I did as I was taught, pointed to the ground away from everyone else but I ended up with a cut thumb from clicking the safety off!!! I remember that every time I unload a gun!!! It turned out that the rifle had a recall on a safety problem so you never know!!!

Dan, I agree. EVERY gun should be treated as loaded, at ALL times. I don't care how pizzed someone gets. I ALWAYS ask if there's a bullet in the chamber and ALWAYS check if someone hands me their gun. It's just common sense. Which unfortunately, as we know is not very common.

It should be pointed out that the "accident" reports only include those where there was an injury that resulted or property damage involving some sort of official report. There are a lot more that go on that do not involve these aspects, thankfully.

Seadog, out of curiosity, was your 6mm a Remington Mohawk 600?

Noticed what seemed like an unusually high number of shooting accidents with dove hunters in last year's report.

Also, it's worth pointing out that alcohol WAS NOT a factor in the majority of accidents during all prior seasons. The majority are the result hunters simply not paying attention and overall carelessness.

Who shoots at flying birds with a .22?

[quote=BowSlayer]Who shoots at flying birds with a .22? [/quote

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