2008 Wisconsin Gun Hunt is Third Safest in History

[Corey Graff]

DNR hunter education administrator and DNR's hunter safety expert warden Tim Lawhern, said there were 9 total hunting incidents involving firearms during the 9-day hunting period making 2008 the third safest season on record. Sadly, one of the incidents was fatal. Of the nine incidents, six involved shotguns, two involved rifles, and one involved a handgun. Nearly half – 44 percent – were self inflicted.

"While the circumstances of these incidents may have been different every one can be traced to a failure to practice the four cardinal rules of firearm safety," said Lawhern. "Treat every gun as if it is loaded; BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT; always point the muzzle in a safe direction - never point the muzzle at anything you would not want to shoot; keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot."