BATAVIA — Two searching accidents in Genesee and Wyoming counties have been among the many only a few reported final yr in New York.
The accidents have been listed within the state Division of Environmental Conservation’s annual Searching Security Statistics report. Final yr tied with 2021 because the most secure searching yr since 1949.
A complete of 9 firearms-related accidents have been reported statewide. The one fatality occurred Might 12 when a 76-year-old turkey hunter by accident shot himself in Schoharie County.
The 2 native incidents included:
n An 88-year-old woodchuck hunter accidently shot himself within the hand Aug. 17 in Genesee County.
The sufferer had 73 years of searching expertise, the DEC mentioned. No citations have been issued and a precise location wasn’t given.
n A 60-year-old hunter by accident shot one other particular person Nov. 23 in Wyoming County.
The shooter fired at a operating deer and struck one other hunter sitting about 700 yards away, the DEC mentioned. The sufferer suffered a barely bruised stomach.
The shooter had 40 years of searching expertise and was cited for violations. An actual location wasn’t given.
The one different close by incident occurred Nov. 18 in Cattaraugus County, in response to the report.
An 18-year-old suffered an unintended, self-inflicted gunshot wound whereas a passenger on an ATV, the DEC mentioned. The sufferer had 5 years of searching expertise and was cited for violations.
Final yr marked the second consecutive time accidents and fatalities as a consequence of falls from tree stands outnumbered firearm-related searching incidents.
In 4 of final yr’s deadly falls, the sufferer didn’t use a fall restraint system or used it improperly, the DEC mentioned. To work correctly, a harness should be connected to the tree always when ascending, descending, and whereas within the stand.
“It’s clear from these findings that the overwhelming majority of New York hunters comply with the state’s stringent security pointers and do their half to make sure a secure and pleasing season,” mentioned DEC Commissioner Basi Seggos in a information launch. “This document yr for security is a testomony to the DEC skilled employees, volunteers, and native searching golf equipment that work collaboratively to show security to hunters of all ages. I commend their efforts and for all hunters who safely and responsibly contributed to our conservation efforts this season.”