New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced another safe year of hunting seasons, with 2024-25 seasons being the second safest on record. DEC released its annual report documenting hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) and tree stand/elevated hunting incidents and the numbers are consistent with the low incident rates observed across the state in recent years.

“Hunting-related incidents are preventable when hunters follow safe and legal hunting practices and proper tree-stand safety measures,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Thanks to New York’s exceptional Hunter Education Program and hunters adhering to New York’s hunting regulations, requirements, and firearm safety, hunting continues to be a safe and enjoyable activity for hundreds of New Yorkers and visitors each year.”

DEC documented 11 HRSIs in 2024, including four two-party firearm incidents and seven self-inflicted incidents. Unfortunately, one of the incidents was a self-inflicted fatality. Two incidents involved individuals who were not legally hunting. Hunting Safety Statistics are available on DEC’s website.

All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers are required to successfully complete a hunter or trapper safety course and pass the final exam before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license. These additional efforts to increase public awareness about hunting safety has resulted in a sharp decrease in hunting-related incidents from decades ago. For example, 166 HRSIs were reported in 1966.

DEC also documented 11 Elevated Hunting Incidents (EHIs) in 2024, though not all falls are reported. Of these incidents, nine involved hunters failing to wear a safety harness or failing to connect the harness to a tree. Two of the falls were fatal; the others resulted in serious injuries. All incidents could have been prevented by proper use of a fall-arrest harness system that remains connected to the tree. Additional information about EHIs is available on DEC’s website. 

Elevated stand safety has become a regular part of New York’s Hunter Safety Program due to EHIs remaining a major cause of hunting-related injuries. The proper use of elevated stands and stand safety equipment helps to prevent injuries and fatalities. Used correctly, a harness and fall-arrest system keep the hunter connected from the time they leave the ground to the moment they get back down. Many, if not all, tree stand incidents are preventable when hunters follow the “ABCs” of tree stand safety:

• Always remove and inspect tree stand before use;
• Buckle full-body harness securely; and
• Connect to tree before feet leave the ground and stay connected until descent.

Additional safety tips for hunters:

• Inspect tree stand before use/replace worn or broken parts and straps;
• Buckle full-body harness securely and use a tether and lifeline;
• Check harness expiration date and replace if expired or damaged;
• Notify other person/persons about the location of the tree stand and expected time of return;
• Use haul line to raise firearm or crossbow with quiver into the stand; and
• Always carry emergency equipment such as a knife, cell phone, flashlight, and whistle inside a pocket (not inside a pack in the stand).

A video showing the proper way to climb into and out of a tree stand can be viewed on DEC's YouTube channel. 

Youth Deer Hunting Pilot Program

In 2021, New York State authorized 12- and 13-year-olds with hunting licenses to hunt deer with a crossbow, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearm under the supervision of an experienced adult mentor in eligible counties. DEC recently released the latest Deer Hunting by 12- and 13-Year-Old Hunters report, highlighting the success of the first four years of the pilot program, as well as recommendations to make the program permanent. Visit DEC’s website to read the report and learn more about youth big game hunting in New York State.

DEC encourages hunters to remember that every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable if hunters follow the primary rules of hunter safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded;
• Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction;
• Identify target and what lies beyond;
• Keep finger off trigger until ready to fire; and
• Wear hunter orange or pink.

More information on 2024 Hunting Safety Statistics and Elevated Stand Safety Statistics are available on DEC's website.