Texas Hunting Accidents Hit A Record Low for 2023

The 2023 Texas Hunting Accident Report came out on Wednesday and we have great news to report, Texas in 2023 hit a historic low in hunting-related incidents across the state, with only 10 non-fatal accidents and one fatality recorded.

Fifty-two years ago in 1972, the fatal accident rate hit a high of 30 in one hunting season. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) credits this consistent decline in accidents over the years to the success of the Hunter Education program, mandated for all hunters since 1988. Spearheaded by TPWD and supported by volunteer instructors, the program emphasizes firearm safety, ethical hunting practices, and game management.

Steve Hall is TPWD's Hunter Education coordinator, and he attributes the reduction in accidents to the program's efforts. According to the release, over 1.5 million individuals have been certified through Hunter Education. The program is compulsory for hunters born after September 2, 1971, with a minimum age requirement of 9 years. Once the certification is achieved, through either in-person or virtual courses, is valid for life.

If you choose to take the course in person, it consists of about six hours of instruction, skill exercises, and a final exam. The alternative is "Internet + Field Course" which combines online learning with hands-on field activities. There is an online-only course is available for individuals aged 17 and above, the duration varies based on prior knowledge and age.

The Release goes on to say that by prioritizing safety, legality, and ethical hunting practices, the Hunter Education program continues to play a vital role in minimizing hunting-related accidents in Texas, ensuring a safer environment for hunters and wildlife alike.

Don't forget these tips Texas Hunters:

• Watch the muzzle – point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
• Unload all firearms when not in use, especially at home, during transport and in the field, until you are ready to shoot.
• Keep your fingers outside of the trigger guard until ready to take a shot.
• Waterfowl hunters should wear protective clothing, waders and approved life jackets while in boats or around water, especially in winter months. Drowning, not shooting, ranks as the number one cause of waterfowl hunting-related fatalities.
• For dove, quail and pheasant hunters, the number one cause for accidents or fatalities is shooting at game outside a safe zone of fire. Communicate and stick to your safe zone of fire and never shoot towards another hunter, buildings or structures, or domestic animals such as cows.
• Be sure of your target — what is in front of and behind it.
• Wear blaze orange to be seen by other hunters.

Reminder: In the Great State of Texas, hunters must have proof of Hunter Education certification on their person while in the field. Hunters have access to their Texas proof of Hunter Education in the free Outdoor Annual mobile app for iOS and Android.

Learn more about Hunter Education, how to sign up for a course and find resources for students on the TPWD website.

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