NORTH CAROLINA
REPORT OF
HUNTING AND
HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS
AND FATALITIES
2015-2016
compiled and published by the
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES
COMMISSION
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
State of North Carolina
______ _, Governor
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Dee A. Freeman/ Secretary
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
2015-2016 North Carolina Annual Hunting & Hunting Related Incidents Report
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1717 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1717
11 An Equal Opportunity Employer 11
2,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $XXXXXX or $XXXX per copy.
~ North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
NORTH CAROLINA
REPORT OF HUNTING INCIDENTS AND FATALITIES
2015-2016
This annual report contains statistics and information extracted from hunting incident reports
submitted to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission during the 2015 - 2016 hunting
season.
For the purpose of this statistical report, a hunting incident is considered to be an injury to an
individual arising from hunting, firearm or archery related activity classified either "A", "B" "C"or
"D" as follows:
A. An incident resulting from the discharge of a firearm or bow while hunting, which
causes the injury or death of any person(s).
B. An incident while hunting, not involving the discharge of a firearm or bow, which
causes the injury or death of any person(s).
C. Any other incident resulting from the discharge of a firearm or bow, which causes the
injury or death of any person(s ), other than while hunting.
D. An incident while hunting involving property damage only.
The purpose of the Report of Hunting and Hunting Related Incidents is to provide statistical
information on the similarities, causes, frequency, and location of hunting incidents. This information
is analyzed to aid in determining the directions of measures to deter hunting and hunting related
incidents. By publishing this information and including it in Hunter Education Programs, the Wildlife
Resources Commission hopes to reduce the number of hunting and hunting related incidents and
fatalities to make the sport safer for all.
Public concern about hunting incidents has been responsible for laws being enacted to require
hunters to wear a hunter orange outer garment or hat and to require mandatory hunter education for
new hunters. Copies of these laws are included in this publication.
Gordon Myers
Executive Director
Mailing Address: 1717 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1717
Telephone: (919) 707-0030 • Fax: (919) 707-0045
Hunting Firearms
Season Related
*1960-1970 -·----
*1970-1980 ----
*1980-1990 ----
1990-2000 36
2000-2010 20
NORTH CAROLINA HUNTING INCIDENT AND HUNTER EDUCATION STATISTICS
TEN YEAR TOTALS
Hunting Seasons 1960-2010
FATAL NON-FATAL
Non-Firearms Total Firearms Non-Firearms Total Non- TOTAL # Licensed
Related Fatal Related Related Fatal INCIDENTS Hunters
----- 13 ----- ----- 43 56 414,900
----- 9 ----- -·--- 23 32 398,554
----- 8 ----- ----- 33 41 397,275
9 45 151 74 351 396 3,991,280
29 49 227 129 356 405 4,214,379
*Tree stand, firearms and non-firearms related incidents were not captured during this time
STUDENTS
CERTIFIED
--------
16,854
23.618
184,462
167,490
Hunting
Season
*1990-
1991
*1991-
1992
*1992-
1993
*1993-
1994
1994-
1995
1995-
1996
1996-
1997
Hunting
Season
*1960-1970
*1970-1980
*1980-1990
NORTH CAROLINA HUNTING INCIDENT AND HUNTER EDUCATION STA TIS TICS
TEN YEAR AVERAGES
Hunting Seasons 1960-1990
Non- #Licensed Students
Fatal Fatal Total Hunters Certified
13 43 56 414,900 ----------
9 23 32 398,554 16,854
8 33 41 397,275 23,618
ANNUAL TOTALS
Hunting Seasons 1990-1991 through 2014-2015
FATAL NON-FATAL
Firearms Non-Firearms TOTAL Firearms Non-Firearms TOTAL TOTAL # Licensed
Related Related FATAL Related Related NON-FATAL INCIDENTS Hunters
6 * 6 0 * 36 42 388,795
5 * 5 0 * 38 43 353,992
5 * 5 0 * 27 32 351,787
1 * 1 0 * 25 26 370,400
4 1 5 39 8 47 52 585,875
4 2 6 30 12 42 48 365,326
3 1 4 20 14 34 38 360,575
* Treestand and non-firearms related incidents were not captured during this time
STUDENTS
CERTIFIED
20,226
29,365
22,120
20,469
18,891
16,347
13,985
ANNUAL TOTALS
Hunting Seasons 1990-1991 through 2014-2015 continued
FATAL NON-FATAL STUDENTS
CERTIFIED
Hunting Firearms Non-Firearms TOTAL Firearms Non-Firearms TOTAL TOTAL # Licensed
Season Related Related FATAL Related Related NON-FATAL INCIDENTS Hunters
1997- 2 1 3 24 13 37 40 360,614 14,425
1998
1998- 2 3 5 24 17 41 46 400,051 14,062
1999
1999- 4 1 5 14 10 24 29 453,865 14,572
2000
2000- 3 2 5 14 8 22 27 375,842 14,865
2001
2001- 1 3 4 20 16 36 40 371,809 13,503
2002
2002- 1 3 4 27 10 37 41 360,432 16,121
2003
2003- 1 2 3 22 11 33 36 387,410 16,269
2004
2004- 3 3 6 29 19 48 54 420,425 13,593
2005
2005- 4 4 8 22 12 34 42 427,608 17,886
2006
2006- 1 4 5 25 8 33 38 440,896 17,752
2007
ANNUAL TOTALS
Hunting Seasons 2010-2011 through 2015-2016
FATAL NON-FATAL STUDENTS
CERTIFIED
Hunting Firearms Non-Firearms TOTAL Firearms Non-Firearms TOTAL TOTAL # Licensed
Season Related Related FATAL Related Related NON-FATAL INCIDENTS Hunters
2010- 3 4 7 21 13 34 41 505,530 17,282
2011
2011- 3 2 5 26 8 34 39 521,717 19,246
2012
2012- 1 2 3 18 8 26 29 528,636 23,865
2013
2013- 1 1 2 17 14 31 33 545,032 26,817
2014
2014 - 2 2 4 10 10 20 24 570,495 20,488
2015
2015- 2 1 3 13 8 21 24 -------- 19,342
2016 -
2015 - 2016 HUNTING AND HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS
July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016
Fatal
Non-Fatal
Total Incidents
3
20
23 (Type "A", "8", & "C'')
SELF-INFLICTED INCIDENTS
Fatal 2
Non-Fatal 11
Of these self-inflicted incidents, 1 was a fatal tree stand fall
OF THE TOTAL 24 HUNTING AND HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS:
Type "A" - Fatal 1 Non-Fatal 10
Type "8" - Fatal 2 Non-Fatal 10
Type "C" - Fatal 0 Non-Fatal 0
*Type "D" - Fatal 0 Non-Fatal 1
*Type "D" is property damage only*
1.
SUMMARY OF FATAL HUNTING INCIDENTS
DATE: 11/29/15
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE:
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE:
CLASS:
UNK
0-l0YARDS
A
THE VICTIM AND A FRIEND WERE HUNTING WITH THE USE OF A LADDER
ST AND AND A BOX STAND. WITHIN MINUTES, THE FRIEND SAW AND SHOT A
DEER. THE DEER TOOK OFF AND RAN TO THE SOUTH END OF THE FIELD
THEY WERE HUNTING IN. THE FRIEND EJECTED THE SPENT ROUND FROM
THE CHAMBER OF THE WEAPON AND PUT ANOTHER IN THE WEAPON, BUT
FAILED TO PUT THE SAFETY IN THE "ON" POSITION. THE VICTIM TEXTED
THE FRIEND TO ADVISE THAT HE HAD GOTTEN THE DEER. THEY BOTH GOT
DOWN FROM THEIR STANDS AND BEGAN LOOKING FOR AND FOLLOWING
THE BLOOD TRAIL. THEY CARRIED THEIR FIREARMS USING THE SLING
METHOD. THEY BOTH CAME UP ON A SMALL TREE THAT HAD FALLEN
ACROSS THE PATH. THE FRIEND BENT OVER TO GO UNDER THE DOWNED
TREE. AT THAT TIME, ms WEAPON'S MUZZLE IDT THE TREE CAUSING IT TO
SLIDE ON ms SHOULDER. HE REACTED BY REACIDNG BACK WITH ms
RIGHT HAND TO GRAB THE STOCK, WHICH CAUSED THE FIREARM TO GO
OFF. AS HE TURNED AROUND THE VICTIM SAID "I'M IDT" AND FELL TO THE
GROUND.
THE FRIEND DROPPED ms WEAPON AND TOOK OFF HIS SWEATSHIRT TO
APPLY PRESSURE TO THE VICTIM'S WOUND AND CALLED 911. THE FRIEND
ALSO CALLED ms FIANCE' AND LAND OWNER TO HELP FLAG DOWN HELP
THAT HAD BEEN CALLED. EMERGENCY SERVICES ARRIVED ON SCENE; THE
VICTIM WAS AIRLIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD ON
ARRIVAL.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN TIDS INCIDENT INCLUDE: FAILURE TO PUT
SAFETY BACK IN "ON" POSITION, AND CARELESS OR RECKLESS HANDLING OF A
FIREARM
**PLEASE NOTE: EVEN THOUGH THE VICTIM AND SHOOTER WERE HUNTING
FROM TREESTANDS, THIS IS NOT A TREESTAND RELATED HUNTING
INCIDENT.
2. DATE: 09/21/15 CLASS: B
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE: NO
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE: NIA TREESTAND FALL
THE VICTIM WAS HUNTING FROM A HOMEMADE LADDER ST AND WITH A
SITTING AREA MANUFACTURED BY BIG OAK MANUFACTURING. THE STAND
WAS SECURED TO THE TREE BY A RATCHET STRAP AND SOME CABLES. THE
STAND WAS APPROXIMATELY 16 FEET TALL FROM THE SITTING AREA TO
THE BASE OF THE STAND. THE TREE THE STAND WAS ATTACHED TO WAS
APPROXIMATELY 7 FEET 2 INCHES IN CIRCUMFERENCE NEAR THE BASE OF
THE TREE AND 6 FEET IN CIRCUMFERENCE FURTHER UP THE TREE.
FOR TillS TYPE OF ST AND IN ORDER FOR A HUNTER TO ACCESS THE
PLATFORM, THE HUNTER WOULD HA VE TO EITHER LEAN BACK AWAY FROM
THE LADDER TO CLIMB OVER AND ONTO THE PLATFORM, OR PUSH THE
PLATFORM UPWARDS AND BACK TOWARDS THE TREE.
THE VICTIM WAS FOUND LYING FACE DOWN IN THE FETAL POSITION UPON
ARRIVAL. EMS NOTIFIED THE FRIEND THAT THE VICTIM HAD DIED ON THE
WAY TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DOCTOR THAT EXAMINED THE VICTIM SAID
THAT HE DIED FROM SEVERE BRAIN INJURY, A COLLAPSED BLEEDING LUNG,
MULTIPLE BROKEN RIBS ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. IT WAS
NOTED BY THE MEDICAL EXAMINER THAT THE SEVERE BRAIN INJURY WAS
THE MAJOR CAUSE OF DEATH.
THE WITNESS (FRIEND) WAS WAITING AT THE BASE OF THE TREE FOR THE
VICTIM TO CLIMB DOWN FROM THE STAND. HE NOTED THAT THE VICTIM
SLIPPED AND FELL FROM ABOUT 14 FEET IDGH.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN TIDS INCIDENT INCLUDE: SAFETY HARNESS NOT
BEING USED, ADDED WEIGHT OF THE BACKPACK MADE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO
NAVIGATE DOWN THE LADDER OF THE STAND, AND LOSING FOOTING AND GRIP.
**POSSIBLE PREVENTIONS OF THIS INCIDENT ARE: USING A CLIMBING HARNESS
ANDA HAUL LINE TO TRANSPORT THE BACKPACK.
3. DATE: 10/26/15
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE:
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE:
CLASS:
NO
0-lOYARDS
THE VICTIM WAS INITIALLY REPORTED AS A LOST HUNTER.
B
THE HUNTER WAS HUNTING WITH A FAMILY FRIEND. THE FAMILY FRIEND
COULD NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE LOST HUNTER AND CALLED THE
LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
WHILE WILDLIFE OFFICERS WERE ENROUTE TO THE LOCATION OF THE
REPORTED LOST HUNTER, THE FAMILY FRIEND CALLED BACK TO SAY THAT
HE HAD LOCATED THE LOST HUNTER AND HE WAS DEAD WITH A GUNSHOT
WOUND TO THE HEAD.
THE FAMILY FRIEND HAD SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO THE VICTIM ASKING IF
HE HAD SEEN ANYTHING. THE VICTIM REPLIED "NO" AT THE TIME.
SHORTLY AFTER, THE FAMILY FRIEND HEARD A GUN SHOT AND THE FRIEND
SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO THE VICTIM WITH NO RESPONSE. THE FAMILY
FRIEND CONTACTED ms FATHER TO LET HIM KNOW THAT HE HAD HEARD A
GUN SHOT AND TEXTED THE VICTIM, BUT GOT NO RESPONSE. AT THAT
POINT, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAMILY FRIEND
SUBSEQUENTLY CALLED BACK TELLING THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE THAT THE
VICTIM HAD BEEN LOCATED AND HE WAS DEAD WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND
TO THE HEAD.
THE VICTIM WAS HUNTING IN A LADDER STAND AND THE FAMILY FRIEND
WAS HUNTING SEPARATELY IN A BOX STAND WHEN THE INCIDENT
OCCURRED. THE TWO WERE 1,000 YARDS APART FROM EACH OTHER WITH
TIDCK WOODS BETWEEN THEM AND SEVERAL TURNS IN THE PATH. FOUR­WHEEL
VEIDCLES WERE REQUIRED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE PATH.
THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS DETERMINED TO HA VE BEEN FROM A "IDGH
VELOCITY RIFLE WOUND TO THE HEAD".
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN TIDS INCIDENT INCLUDE: CARELESS OR
RECKLESS HANDLING OF A FIREARM, TRIGGER CAUGHT ON OBJECT.
HUNTING AND HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS PER COUNTY
nuN- rtun1·
FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Alamance 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Alexander 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alleghany 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Anson 0 0 0 1 1 2 2
Ashe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avery 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Beaufort 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bertie 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Bladen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brunswick 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Buncombe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burke 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
cabarrus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
caldwell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
camden 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
carteret 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
caswell 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
catawba 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Chatham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cherokee 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Chowan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Clay 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Cleveland u 0 0 u 0 0 u
nun- nurt·
FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Columbus 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Craven 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cumberland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Currituck 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dare 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Davidson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Davie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Duplin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Durham 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Edgecombe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Forsyth 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Franklin 0 0 ·O 0 0 0 0
Gaston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gates 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Graham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Granville 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Greene 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Guilford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Halifax 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Harnett 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Haywood 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Henderson 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Hertford 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Hoke 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hyde 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Iredell u u 0 u 1 1 1
·~·· f'll.i~,.-
FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Jackson 0 0 0 0 0 0 u
Johnston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jones 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Lee 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lenoir 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lincoln 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Macon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Madison 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Martin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
McDowell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mecklenburg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mitchell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Montgomery 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Moore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Nash 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
New Hanover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northampton 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Onslow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Orange 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pamlico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pasquotank 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pender 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Perquimans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Person 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Pitt 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Polk u u 0 u u 0 u
111'-'111 _ 111 '-' 111-
FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Randolph 0 0 0 2 0 2 l
Richmond 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Robeson 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Rockingham 0 1 1 0 0 0 1
Rowan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rutherford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sampson 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Scotland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stanly 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stokes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Surry 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Swain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Transylvania 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tyrrell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Union 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Vance 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Warren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Washington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wayne 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Wilkes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Yadkin 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Yancey 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals: 2 1 3 15 6 21 24
DNON-FATAL
• FATAL
TYPE OF WEAPONS INVOLVED IN HUNTING INCIDENTS
Reflects Category Type "A. B and C"
HANDGUN . O
2
SHOTGUN , O
RIFLE
1
3
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
7
7 8
6
5
4
3
2
0
• FATAL
cNON-FATAL
VICTIMS' DISTANCE IN YARDS FROM MUZZLE IN INCIDENT
Reflects Category Type "A" Incidents
:L7L7 o to 10 11 to 50 51 to 100 101 + Unknown
0 0 0 0
6 3 1 0 0
6
5
4
3
2
1
HUNTER ORANGE WORN BY VICTIMS IN INCIDENTS
Reflects Category Type "A"
Any person hunting bear, deer,
wild boar, rabbit, squirrel, grouse,
pheasant and quail with the use of
firearms, must wear a cap or hat
made of hunter orange material or
an outer garmet of hunter orange
visible from all sides.
G.S. 113-291.8
Requirement to Display Hunter Orange
O I FATAL I NON-FATAL
DNo orange 1 I 5
a Orange o I 5
Turkey
Squirrel I
Rabbit I
Quail
Grouse/Pheasant
Duck/Goose I
Dove I
Deer
Coyote I
Bear
0 2
Bear Coyote Deer
DNON-FATALI 0 1 10
DFATAL I 0 0 2
SPECIES BEING HUNTED IN INCIDENTS
Reflects Category Type "A", "B", and "C"
4 6
Dove Duck/Goose Grouse/rheas
an
1 1 2
0 0 0
8 10 12
Quail Rabbit Squirrel Turkey
0 3 1 0
0 0 0 0
0
NMON)INn
0
WV 00:9
.V_) OJ. WV 00:10:21 0 z w
Cl
H
\.) z ..- .lH9INQIW H
z 0 00:21 OJ. Wd 10:s
H
z
0
V)
H a. Wd < a.. oo:s 0.1 Wd 10:v
~
0
\.)
><- Cl Wd
LL
0 oo:v 0.1 Wd 10:21
w
~
~
NOON
00:21 0.1 WV 10:9
N 0 co co N 0
...J
<{
I-
<{
...J '+ i z
<{ 0
LL z
a D
AGES OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN HUNTING INCIDENTS
(Fatal & Non-Fatal)
UNKNOWN I ~
60AND
OVER -------.....-----------
50 to 59 ~-----r----_J 2
0
6
40 to 49 -------------------- 2
w~~
0
6
7
20 to 29 -------.......------,-----.-----.......-----,------i 1
10 to 19
0
5
1 to 9 I o
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
8
9
CJ NON-FAT AL
• FATAL
TREESTAND RELATED FACTORS
Reflects Category Type "A", "B" and "C"
Other
No Haul Line
No Safety Harness
Fall while climbing
0
0
0
0
0
4
1
1 2 3 4
• NON-FATAL CJFATAL
6
5 6 7
SHOOTER IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW AT TIME OF INCIDENT
Reflects Category Type "A, B and C"
67%
VIOLATION
33%
DVIOLATION • NO VIOLATION
6
5 I
4
I
3 I
I
2
1
I
0 .
MONTHS WHICH HUNTING INCIDENTS OCCUR
Reflects Only Months Incidents Occurred In
5
•3 •3 -.J I • • • •
II II
- - 00 00 00 00 00 00
~ fv~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~
~ ~
~~
'$
~v ~0
'$ ~ g~ c," 0~
0 ~
5
1 11 DFATAL
• NON-FATAL
• 1
~v
<:)
HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE TAKEN
UNKNOWN IO
0
NO 23
I I I
YES • 1 i i
16 • NON-FATAL
i DFATAL
0
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
NON-FATAL
1
FATAL
0
0
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS
Data Reflects All Hunting Incidents
3
5 10 15
19
20
oPRIVATE
• PUBLIC
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
HUNTING/SHOOTING/TREESTAND INCIDENT REPORT
Check Appropriate Box(es)
D Fatal
Department Official Use Only
D Non-Fatal Case Number
Classification:
0 Self-Inflicted 0 A: Shooting While Engaged in Legal Hunting Activity
D Property Damage Only D B: Shooting While Engaged in IllegalActivity
INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Prepare this report when investigating and reporting a hunting/ shooting/treestand incident.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT, A "HUNTING INCIDENT" IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
The International Hunter Education Association's definition of a Hunting Incident: "An occurrence or an
event that results in the physical injury or death of a person or persons which involves the discharge or
use of a huntin! im,lement while ens~ed in huntini activity."
FOR THE PURPO E O THIS REPORT, "H ING" IS DESC BED AS FOLLOWS: ·
To pursue, take, attempt to take, search for, stalk or lie in wait for any animal.
1. Day/Date of 2. Dayof 3. Time 4. County/ Parrish 5. State/Zip Code 6. GPS coordinates
Incident Season (Military) D UTM D Long/Lat
I I
7. Location Area or Landowner
A. OPublic Land Name:
B. OPrivate Land Address:
C. OShooting Preserve Phone:
8. Was injury or death self-inflicted?
A. DYES - Complete sections 9. Shooter and B. ONO - Complete sections 9. Shooter, 10. Victim and
11. IncidentProfile 11. Incident Profile
C. If iniurv sustained in treestand/ elevated position, also comnlete Sections 10 (Victim) and 12 (Incident Profile)
Q . , .... IN'OT TTQli'n li"nR ·.wn a • .. .. ·- Name (Last, First, MI) License ti & Type L.JMale Age and DOB
DFemale I I
Address (Street, Box, RuralRoute) I City State/ Zip Prov.
Code ~sident Status
Resident
D Non-Resident
Years ofHunting Graduate ofHunter flel oflnvolvement:
Experience: Educational Course: With Hunting Party Dindividually
Dves - Stat[JProv. DNon-Hunter (identify activity)
Year No Dunknown Dun1mown
Sh'r1er was in:
D Open Area D Vehicle
Was Victim Out of
A. Dense Cover C. E. ~ht ofShooter?
B. D Light Cover D. D Elevated Position F. D Other (specify): es Go
Dun1mow
Animal(s) BeingHunted: a;iseason ~ooter 'Ef aringBlaze 1e1ze O1jgerequired?
Species ut of Season Yes No Yes No
Shooter Used Intoxicants Prior to Incident: Failure to use Shooter Licensed?
A. Alcohol DYes DNo Dunknown Tiscribed medication? DYes DNo
B. Drugs DYes DNo Illegal DYes DNo Yes DNo Dunlmown DNot required
Type of activity shooter was involved in:
A. D Hunting C. D Field Trials E. D Unknown
B. D Unintentional Discharge D. D N/A F. Decoy Use: OYes ONo
Was shooter attempting to harvest game? Distance from muzzle to Shooter shot:
wound? D Right handed
OYes ONo D Left handed
Has shooter ever been involved in a hunting
incident before? OYes ONo
Was the shooter cooperative with investigation?
OYes ONo
Relationship to Victim:
Firearm/Instrument used: Type of Action: E.D Semi-Auto Type of Sight:
A. D Shotgun E.O Crossbow A. D Bolt F.O Muzzleloader A. D Open
B. D Rifle F. D Air/Gas Gun B.O Lever G.O Inline B. D Peep
c.o Handgun G. D Other: c.D Pump H.D Handgun C. D Scope
D. D Bow D.O Break/Hinge i. D Other D. D Other
Make: Model: Serial Number: Caliber/ Gauge:
Capacity: Projectile Type: Ammunition: Safety Position:
A. D Repeater A. D Bullet - Caliber Weight A. D Factory A.O On
B. D Double Barrel B.O Arrow B. D Reload B. D Off
c.o Single Shot c.o Slug-Gauge Weight C. D Unknown c.o Defective
D.O Shot - Size Material D.D Unknown
E. D Other
10. VICTIM (CHECK BOX D FOR TREEST AND ACCIDENTS)
Name (Last, First, Ml) License # & Type D Male Age and DOB
0 Female I I
Address (Street, Box, Rural Route) City State/ Zip Resident Status
Prov. Code
D Resident
D Non-Resident
Years of Hunting Graduate of Hunter Level of Involvement:
Experience: Educational Course: D With Hunting Party OwithoutHuntingParty
D Yes - State/Prov. D Non-Hunter (identify activity)
Year D No D Unknown D Unknown
Victim was in: Was Victim Out of
A. D Dense Cover c.o Open Area E. D Vehicle Sight of Shooter?
B. D Light Cover D. O Elevated Position F.O Other OYes ONo
D Unknown
Type of activity shooter was involved in:
A. D Hunting C. 0 Field Trials E.O Unknown
B. D Unintentional Discharge D. D N/A
Color of Clothing:
Cap: Coat/Vest: Trousers:
Species being hunted: D In Season Were Intoxicants used prior to incident?
D Out of Season A. Alcohol O Yes ONo
D Not Hunting B. Drugs D Yes ONo Illegal D Yes ONo
C. Prescribed Medication D Yes ONo
Firearm/Instrument used: Type of Action: E.D Semi-Auto Type of Sight:
A. D Shotgun E. D Crossbow A. D Bolt F.O Caplock A. D Open
B. D Rifle F. D Air/ Gas Gun B.O Lever G.O Inline B. D Peep
C. D Handgun G. D Other: c.o Pump H. D Revolver C. D Scope
D. D Bow D. O Break/ Hinge I. D Other: D. D Other:
Make: I Model: I Serial Number: I Caliber/Gauge:
Capacity Projectile Type:
A. D Repeater A. D Bullet - Caliber
B. D Double Barrel B. 0 Arrow
C. D Single Shot c.D Slug-Gauge
D.0 Shot - Size
E.0 Other
Was victim attempting to harvest wildlife?
D Yes D No
Ammunition Safety Position
Weight A.0 Factory A.0 On
Weight
Material
B.0 Reload B. D Off
c.D Unlrnown c.D Defective
D.0 Unknown
I Distance from muzzle to wound:
Describe Injuries (Be Specific) - if no injuries, describe
property damage and list value:
Diagram Injuries to Victim: (Indicate locations of injuries on anatomical outlines- scan in completed diagram if possible)
Injury Severity: Physician: Medical Facility: Name of Coroner/
A. D Debilitating E. D Severe Medical Examiner:O N / A
B. D Fatal F. D Unlrnown
c.o Minor G. D N/A
D. 0 Moderate
11. INCIDENT PROFILE (Other than Treestand) COMPLETE SECTION 12 FOR TREESTAND ACCIDENTS
Lighting: Visibility: Topography- Incident
A. D Unlrnown D. 0 Dawn A. D Excellent D. D Unknown Location is:
B. D Dark E.0 Overcast B.0 Good A.0 Steep
C. D Dusk F.0 Sunnv c.o Poor B. 0 Mountainous
Incident occurred in:
A. D Wooded Area c. o Road Right-of-way E.0 River, Stream, Lake, Marsh
B. D Field/ Cropland D.0 Railroad Right-of-wav F.0 Other:
Most Important Contributing Factor(s) (List most important factor as "1" in space below next to letter, 2nd
as "2", etc.)
_ A. Victim out of sight of shooter - M. Discharge firearm in/ on a vehicle
_ B. Victim covered by shooter swinging on game - N. Improper crossing of obstacle
- C. Failure to identify target - 0 . Clubbing game with firearm
- D. Victim in line of fire - P. Careless or reckless handling of firearm
- E. Ricochet _Q. Place/ remove firearm from vehicle
- F. Defective firearm ammunition - R. Drop firearm
- G. Firearm fell, insecure rest - s. Horse play while hunting
H. Shooter stumbled and fell - T. Shooting across roadway --
I. Trigger caught on object - u. Run with loaded firearm
- J . Failure to check beyond target - V. Obstruction of barrel
- K. Loading firearm _ W. Careless handling of archery equipment
L. Unloading firearm X. Other:
Based on the contributing factors listed above what could have been done differently to prevent this
incident from occurring?
The International Hunter Education Association's definition of a
treestand incident is: "An occurrence or an event that results in the
physical injury or death of a person or persons involuntarily while afield
engaging in a hunting related activity from the time the person ascends to
the time the person descends from the elevated position."
Please proceed to next page for Treestand Related Incident Profile
12. INCIDENT PROFILE FOR TREESTAND RELATED ACCIDENTS
Lighting: Visibility: Topography - Location
A. D Dawn D. ODusk A. D Excellent D. 0 Unknown A. D Level
B. D Sunny E. ODark B. D Good B. D Rolling
C. D Overcast F. D Unknown C. D Poor C. D Steep Hill
D. D Other
D Fall while climbing into or out of elevated position
A. D Safety harness not in use D. D Slipped on step G. D Other:
B. D Lost balance or footing E. D Step broke
C. D Equipment failure F. D Tree climbers sliooed/broke
D Fall while in stand
A. D Safety harness not in use C. D Fell asleep E D Other:
B. D Moving or repositioning D. D Tree stand failure
D Tree stand failure
A. D Manufactured climbing type (Brand/ Model):
B. D Manufactured lock on type (Brand/Model):
C. D Manufactured ladder type (Brand/Model):
D. D Manufactured tripod type (Brand/Model):
E. D Homemade climbing type
F. D Homemade lock on type
G. D Homemade permanent D Built on tree D Ladder type D Fastener Failure (type)
0 Materials in poor condition (type)
D Other (explain):
Safety Harness Factors [Type]: D None D Single Belt D Chest D Full Body Harness
A. 0 Harness Failure (Condition): D Malfunction D Frayed D Broke Stitching
B. D Improper use of Harness: D Improper Installation D Failed to follow instructions
D Put Harness on Incorrectly
C. OOther (explain):
O Failure to use haul line:
D Other equipment failure:
Witnesses other than Shooter and Victim
Name Address (Street, City, State,Zip) Phone Number
1.
2.
3.
4.
5 .
Shooter Violations Victim Violations
List ofViolations Enforcement List ofViolations Enforcement
Action Taken Action Taken
1. 0Yes 0No 1. 0Yes 0No
2. D Yes 0No 2. ·o Yes 0No
3. 0Yes 0No 3 . D Yes 0No
4. 0Yes 0No 4. 0Yes 0No
5. 0Yes 0No 5. 0Yes 0No
Shooter Hunter EducationDetails Victim Hunter EducationDetails
Classroom Course: 0Yes 0No Classroom Course: D Yes 0No
Hands on !!Un handling: 0Yes 0No Hands on gun handling: 0Yes 0No
Internet Onlv Course: 0Yes 0No Internet Onlv Course: 0Yes 0No
Field day with live fire: 0Yes 0No Field day with live fire: 0Yes 0No
Pass out test (no hands on training): 0Yes 0No Pass out test (no hands on training): 0Yes 0No
Militarv Firearms Training: 0Yes 0No Militarv Firearms Training: 0Yes 0No
The following items are suggested to be included with this report to be considered complete:
1. Narrative (Be specific - describe how the incident happened and suspected cause).
2. Diagram of incident scene (Indicate North by arrow).
3. County map showing location of incident
4. List of photographs taken.
5. List of items seized and where located.
6. Statements from witnesses (if applicable).
7. Copies of citations (if applicable).
Re1>ort was com1>leted bv
Investi,!atinl! Officer: l ID#: I Date:
Assisted Bv: I ID#: I Date:
Other AJ1encies Assisting in Investigation:
1.
2.
Office Use Onlv
Reviewed by: Title:
Date Reviewed: Date entered intoClearine:house:
G.S. 113-270.lA HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE REQUIRED
(a) Except as provided in subsections (al) and (d) of this section, on or after July 1, 2013, a person, regardless of age, may
not procure a hunting license in this State without producing a hunter education certificate of competency or one of the following
issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission:
(1) A North Carolina hunting heritage apprentice permit.
(2) A hunting license issued prior to July 1, 2013.
(al) A person who qualifies for a disabled license under G.S. 113-270.1C(b)(5) or (6), G.S. 113-270.lD(b)(?) or (8), or G.S.
113-351(c)(3)f. or g. need not comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section in order to receive that license, so long as
the person does not make use of the license unless:
(1) The disabled hunter is accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt; and
(2) The licensed adult maintains a proximity to the disabled hunter which enables the adult to monitor the activities
of the disabled hunter by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without the use of electronic
devices.
(b) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall institute and coordinate a statewide course of instruction in hunter ethics,
wildlife laws and regulations, and competency and safety in the handling of :firearms, and in so doing, may cooperate with any
political subdivision, or with any reputable organization. The course of instruction shall be conducted as follows:
(I) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall designate those persons or agencies authorized to give the course of
instruction, and this designation shall be valid until revoked by the Commission. Those designated persons shall
submit to the Wildlife Resources Commission validated listings naming all persons who have successfully
completed the course of instruction.
(2) The Wildlife Resources Commission may conduct the course in hunter education, using Commission personnel
or Commission-approved persons.
(3) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall issue a certificate of competency and safety to each person who
successfully completes the course of instruction, and the certificate shall be valid until revoked by the
Commission.
(4) Any similar certificate issued outside the State by a governmental agency, shall be accepted as complying with
the requirements of subsection (a) above, if the privileges are reciprocal for North Carolina residents.
(5) The Wildlife Resources Commission shall adopt rules and regulations to provide for the course of instruction
and the issuance of the certificates consistent with the purpose of this section.
(c) On or after July 1, 2013, any person who obtains a hunting license by presenting a fictitious certificate of competency or
who attempts to obtain a certificate of competency or hunting license through fraud shall have his hunting privileges revoked by the
Wildlife Resources Commission for a period not to exceed one year.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the lifetime licenses provided for in G.S.
113-270.lD(b)(l), (2), (3), (4), and (5), and 113-270.2(c)(2), and 113-35l(c)(3) may be purchased by or in the name of persons who
have not obtained a hunter education certificate of competency, subject to the requirements of this subsection. Pending satisfactory
completion of the hunter education course, persons who possess one of the lifetime licenses specified in this subsection may exercise
the privileges of the lifetime license only when accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt in this
State. For the purpose of this section, "accompanied" means that the licensed adult maintains a proximity that enables the adult to
monitor the activities of the hunter by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without use of electronic devices.
(1989, C. 324, S. 1; 1991, C. 70, S. 1; 1997-365, S. 1; 1999-456, S. 27; 2005-438, S. 1; 2013-63, S. l.)
G.S. 113-291.8 REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY HUNTER ORANGE
(a) Any person hunting game animals other than foxes, bobcats, raccoons and opossum, or hunting upland game
birds other than wild turkeys, with firearms, must wear a cap or hat on his/her head made of hunter orange
material or an outer garment of hunter orange visible from all sides. A Hunter orange material is a material
that is a daylight fluorescent orange color.
This section does not apply to landholder, his spouse, or children who are hunting on land held by the
landholder.
Conservation Pledge
I give my
pledge as an American
to save and faithfully to defend
from waste the natural resources of
my country - its soil, air,
forests, waters,
and wildlife
REPORT WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS
NC Wildlife Resources Commission 1- 800- 662 - 7137
The Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all wildlife
programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens without
prejudice towards age, race, religion, or national origin. Violations of this pledge may
be reported to the Equal Employment Officer, Erica Zendt, Personnel Officer, 1703
Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1703, Telephone (919) 707-0106
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Before Hunting You Must ...
Produce a past hunting license or an affidavit stating you had one.
-OR
Be a certified Hunter Education course graduate
G.S. 113-270. tA
For Information on Hunter Education Courses
Contact (919) 707-0031
OR
View Schedules and Register Online at
www .ncwildlife.org
Click on Hunter Education box at bottom of screen