Hunting safer than bowling, cheerleading by www.petethomasoutdoors.com
Hunting is one of the safest recreational pursuits in America, at least for the hunter. According to recently released data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, hunting ranks third in safety when compared to 28 other recreational activities. "Many people have the misconception that hunting is unsafe, but the data tells a different story," said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF's director of industry research and analysis. Compared to hunting, a person is 11 times more likely to be injured playing volleyball, 25 times more likely to be injured cheerleading or bicycle riding and 105 more times likely to be injured playing tackle football. Based upon injuries by number of participants, only recreational camping and billiards offer less risk.
The number of hunters who went afield in 2010 is estimated to be 16.3
million. Of that, approximately 8,122 injuries were sustained, or 50 per
100,000 participants. Interestingly, the vast majority of hunting accidents --
more than 6,600 -- did not involve guns but were instead reportedly tree-stand
related.
"Comprehensive hunter education classes that emphasize the basic rules of
firearm safety and a culture of hunters helping fellow hunters practice safe
firearms handling in the field are responsible for this good record,"
Curcuruto said.
The 2010 data NSSF used to compile the report comes from the National
Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the Consumer Products Safety
Commission as well as from the International Hunter Education
Assn. Hunter Incident Clearinghouse. Activity participation
figures are from the National Sporting Goods
Assn. Sports Participation report.
Image of a hunter and his son courtesy of Colorado Division of
Wildlife
million. Of that, approximately 8,122 injuries were sustained, or 50 per
100,000 participants. Interestingly, the vast majority of hunting accidents --
more than 6,600 -- did not involve guns but were instead reportedly tree-stand
related.
"Comprehensive hunter education classes that emphasize the basic rules of
firearm safety and a culture of hunters helping fellow hunters practice safe
firearms handling in the field are responsible for this good record,"
Curcuruto said.
The 2010 data NSSF used to compile the report comes from the National
Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the Consumer Products Safety
Commission as well as from the International Hunter Education
Assn. Hunter Incident Clearinghouse. Activity participation
figures are from the National Sporting Goods
Assn. Sports Participation report.
Image of a hunter and his son courtesy of Colorado Division of
Wildlife
