NORTH CAROLINA
REPORT OF
HUNTING AND
HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS
AND FATALITIES
2014-2015
compiled and published by the
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES
COMMISSION
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
State of North Carolina
Pat McCrory I Governor
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Dee A. Freeman I Secretary
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
2014-2015 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
3,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $XXX:XXX or $XXXX per copy.
~North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
NORTH CAROLINA
REPORT OF HUNTING INCIDENTS AND FATALITIES
2014-2015
This annual report contains statistics and information extracted from hunting incident reports
submitted to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission during the 2014 - 2015 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. ~
b~>· ~:s:----- Gordon Myers
Executive Director
Mailing Address: 1717 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1717
Telephone: (919) 707-0030 • Fax: (919) 707-0045
2014 • 2015 HUNTING AND HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS
July 1, 2014- June 30, 2015
Fatal
Non-Fatal
Total Incidents
4
20
24 (Type "A", "8", & "C")
SELF-INFUCTED INCIDENTS
Fatal 1
Non-Fatal 10
Of these self-inflicted incidents, 1 was a fatal tree stand fall
OF THE TOTAL 27 HUNTING AND HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS:
Type "A"- Fatal 2 Non-Fatal 10
Type "B"- Fatal 2 Non-Fatal 10
Type "C"- Fatal 0 Non-Fatal 0
*Type "D" - Fatal 0 Non-Fatal 3
*Type "D" is property damage only*
1
N 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 STATISTICS
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 * s 0 fr 38 43 353,992
5 * s 0 * 27 32 351,787
1 fr 1 0 * 25 26 370,400
4 1 s 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
w
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 I990-I99I through 20I4-20I5 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
2007- 4 4 8 I5 I3 28 36 460,577 I8,697
2008
2008- I 2 3 27 13 40 43 475,375 I9,736
2009
2009- I 2 3 26 I9 45 48 494,005 I8,068
20IO
20IO- 3 4 7 2I l3 34 4I 505,530 I7,282
2011
~
2011 - 3 2 5 26 8 34 39 52I,7I7 I9,246
20I2
20I2 - 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
HUNTING AND HUNTING RELATED INCIDENTS PER COUNTY
~~- r!Yf!•
FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Alamance 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alexander 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alleghany 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Anson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ashe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Avery 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Beaufort 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
U'1 Bertie 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Bladen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brunswick 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
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 0 0 0 0
Catawba 1 0 1 0 1 1 2
Chatham 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Cherokee 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Chowan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Clay 0 0 0 0 0 0 c
Cleveland 0 0 0 u 0 0 c
~~- ~~-
FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Columbus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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 0 0 0 0
Edgecombe 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
"' Forsyth 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Franklin 0 0 0 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 1 1 1
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 1 1 1
Haywood 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Henderson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hertford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hoke 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hyde 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Iredell 0 0 0 0 l 1 l
'---~- -------- -- '---
111un- i.rul!l..-
FIREARMS FIR~ABMS FIREARM~ FIREARMS TQTAL
tO!JNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NQN-FATAL INCIDENTS
Jackson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Johnston 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Jones 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Lee 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lenoir 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Uncoln 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 1 1 2 2
Nash 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
New Hanover 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northampton 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Onslow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Orange 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Pamlico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pasquotank 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pender 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Perquimans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Person 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pitt 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
Polk u u 0 u u 0 u
rum.- NUN-FIREARMS
FIREARM~ FIREARMS FIREARMS TOTAL
COUNTY RELATED RELATED FATAL RELATED RELATED NON-FATAL INCIDENTS
Randolph 0 0 0 1 1 2 2
Richmond 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Robeson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rockingham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rowan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rutherford 0 1 1 0 0 0 1
Sampson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Scotland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stanly 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stokes 0 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 1 1 0 0 0 1
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 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilkes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Yadkin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Yancey 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals: 2 ~ 4 ~u ~u 20 24
-- - - ----
SUMMARY OF FATAL HUNTING INCIDENTS
1. DATE: 09/18/2014 CLASS: A
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE: YES
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE: 11-SOYARDS
THE VICTIM AND A FRIEND WERE HUNTING TOGETHER.
THE HUNTERS LOADED THEIR HUNTING GEAR ON TWO ATVS AND THEN
TRAVELED TO A POWER LINE RIGHT OF WAY. THE HUNTERS DECIDED TO
HUNT TIDS AREA AND TOOK PORTABLE CLIMBING STANDS INTO THE
WOODS AND BEGAN TO HUNT. THE HUNTERS HUNTED APPROXIMATELY 110
YARDS APART ON THE SAME RIDGE IN A WOODED AREA. THE HUNTERS
DECIDED TO HUNT UNTIL DARK AND WOULD MEET BACK WHERE THE ATVS
WERE PARKED.
AROUND SUNSET HUNTER #1 HEARD THE SOUND OF RUSTLING LEAVES AND
OBSERVED WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS A BROWN OBJECT THAT LOOKED LIKE
A DEER "SLIPPING ALONG". HUNTER #1 WAS HUNTING WITH A BARTNETT
RAPTOR CROSSBOW AND TOOK AIM IN HIS BARTNETT SCOPE. HE USED IDS
20 YARD CROSS HAIR AND CENTERED THE OBJECT AND TOOK THE SHOT.
THE LINE OF SIGHT DISTANCE TO THE VICTIM WAS APPROXIMATELY 38
FEET AND THE MEASURED DISTANCE FROM THE TREE WHERE HUNTER #1
WAS SITTING IN IDS TREE STAND AND THE TREE STAND WHERE THE VICTIM
FELL WAS 29 FEET.
THE VICTIM (HUNTER #2) WAS IDT IN THE UPPER CHEST AREA NEAR THE
HEART AND THE CROSSBOW ARROW PENETRATED THE CHEST CAVITY
CAUSING A FATAL INJURY. VICTIM FELL BACKWARDS AND CAME TO REST
ON IDS LEFT SIDE AGAINST THE BASE OF THE TREE. THE VICTIM DIED
BEFORE ANY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ARRIVED.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THIS INCIDENT INCLUDE: FAILURE TO CLEARLY
IDENTIFY INTENDED TARGET AND SECONDLY THAT SHOOTER MADE A MISTAKEN
FOR GAME SHOT, AND SHOOTER 'S INABILITY TO CLEARLY SEE DUE TO THE LOW
LIGHT IN THE AREA AT THE TIME OF THE SHOT.
**PLEASE NOTE: EVEN THOUGH THE VICTIM AND SHOOTER WERE HUNTING
FROM TREESTANDS, TIDS IS NOT A TREESTAND RELATED HUNTING
INCIDENT.
9
2. DATE: 10/17/2014 CLASS: A
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE: NO
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE: 1-3 INCHES
THE VICTIM WAS ENGAGED IN NIGHT DEER HUNTING FROM A ROAD RIGHT
OF WAY WITH THE USE OF A SPOTLIGHT.
ACCORDING TO WITNESSES IN THE HUNTING PARTY, THEY WERE WORKING
THEIR WAY BACK TO THE RESIDENCE SIDNING FIELDS ALONG THE WAY.
ALL THREE SUBJECTS EXITED THE VEIDCLE AND ILLUMINATED SOME DEER
ATOP A HILL WITH THE SPOTLIGHT. ONE PARTY MEMBER STATED THAT
ANOTHER PARTY MEMBER HAD THE GUN AND WAS VIEWING THE DEER
THROUGH THE SCOPE. THE GUN WAS PASSED TO ALL PARTY MEMBERS TO
VIEW THE DEER THROUGH THE SCOPE. AFTER HEARING AN APPROACmNG
VEIDCLE, ALL THREE SUBJECTS BOLTED FOR THE TRUCK AND ENTERED
THE VEIDCLE. THE GUN WAS PLACED WITH THE BRREL FACING IN AN
UPWARD DIRECTION IN CLOST PROXIMITY TO THE VICTIM. DUE TO THE
NATURE OF THE GUN DESIGN, THE HAMMER HAD TO HAVE BEEN LOCKED
BACK AND WAS RELEASED IN THE SCRAMBLE TO EXIT THE SCENE. THE
BULLET ENTERED THE VICTIM'S FOREHEAD ABOVE IDS RIGHT EYE AND
EXITED THE TOP OF HIS HEAD NEAR THE BACK OF THE LEFT SIDE. BEING
FIRED FROM CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE VICTIM'S FACE LEAVING STIPPLING
AROUND THE ENTRY WOUND ON THE SKIN. THE GASSES FROM THE ENTRY
CAUSED MASSIVE TRAUMA, WHICH THE VICTIM DIED FROM.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THIS INCIDENT INCLUDE: CARELESS OR
RECKLESS HANDLING OF FIREARM, DISCHARGE OF FIREARM INION A VEHICLE, AND
PLACE/REMOVE FIREARM FROM VEHICLE.
3. DATE: 11/25/2014 CLASS: B
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE: NO
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE: N/A TREEST AND FALL
THE VICTIM WAS HUNTING OUT OF AN AFFIXED HOMEMADE LADDER
STAND.
UPON INVESTIGATION, THE WOOD USED TO CONSTRUCT THE TREE STAND
WAS ROTTEN AND WAS AFFIXED TO THE TREE USING DECKING SCREWS.
THE PLATFORM AFFIXED TO THE TOP OF THE LADDER BROCK, WHICH IN
TURN CAUSED THE ROTTEN WOOD ON THE LADDER PORTION TO BREAK.
THE VICTIM WAS WEARING A HOMEMADE, SINGLE STRAP TREE STAND
SAFETY HARNESS AROUND IDS TORSO. DUE TO THE ROTTEN NATURE OF
THE WOOD USED ON THE TREEST AND, AS WELL AS THE HOMEMADE SINGLE
STRAP SAFETY HARNESS, THE VICTIM FELL OFF THE TREESTAND AND WAS
SUBSEQUENTLY ASPHYXIATED FROM HANGING FOR A PERIOD OF
APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES.
10
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN THIS INCIDENT INCLUDE: THIS INCIDENT COULD
HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THE VICTIM KEPT UP WITH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF
THE TREESTAND AND THE ROTTEN WOOD. IF THE VICTIM HAD BEEN WEARING AN
APPROVED FULL BODY FALL ARREST SYSTEM, THIS INCIDENT WOULD HAVE NOT
BEEN A FATAL ONE.
4. DATE: 04/21/2015
VICTIM WEARING BLAZE ORANGE:
VICTIM DISTANCE FROM MUZZLE:
CLASS: B
NO
N/A FALL WHILE
CROSSING FOOT
BRIDGE
THE VICTIM WAS TURKEY HUNTING AND DID NOT RETURN HOME AS
EXPECTED.
·THE FAMILY WAS GOING TO THE LAST KNOWN PLACE THE VICTIM WAS
TURKEY HUNTING. A SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED BY WILDLIFE OFFICERS
AND THE LOCAL SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THE VICTIM'S VEIDCLE WAS
PARKED BESIDE AN OLD FARMHOUSE NEAR WHERE THE VICTIM HAD BEEN
HUNTING. DOWN A LITTLE HILL AND ACROSS THE EDGE OF A COW PASTURE
WAS A LOG FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS A RIVER WIDCH LED TO A SMALL GREEN
FIELD ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE VICTIM'S BODY WAS LOCATED
APPROXIMATELY 0.4 OF A MILE DOWNSTREAM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE
RIVER. THE DAY BEFORE, THE AREA RECEIVED CONSIDERABLE RAIN
WIDCH CAUSED THE RIVER TO RUN OUT OF ITS BANKS WITH A LARGE
VOLUMEOFWATER. THERAINMAYHAVEMADETHELOGSANDBOARDSOF
THE BRIDGE SLIPPERY. THE BRIDGE ALSO HAD EXPOSED NAILS STICKING
UP WHERE BOARDS WERE MISSING, AND WITH NO HANDRAIL MADE FOR A
DANGEROUS ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE RIVER. THE VICTIM HAD FALLEN
FROM THE BRIDGE. THE WILDLIFE OFFICER WENT BACK WITH FAMILY
MEMBERS AFTER THE WATER HAD RECEDED AND FOUND THE VICTIM'S
SHOTGUN ABOUT 15 YARDS DOWNSTREAM OF THE FOOTBRIDGE. THE
VICTIM SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE AND HAD A LARGE BRUISE TO THE
RIGHT SIDE OF THE BROW OF IDS FOREHEAD, BUT DROWNING WAS THE
PROBABLY CAUSE OF DEATH.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR TillS INCIDENT INCLUDE: FALL FROM
FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS A RIVER. A HANDRAIL ON THE FOOTBRIDGE AND BETTER
PLANKING FOR THE DECKING MAY HAVE MADE IT EASIER AND SAFER TO CROSS.
11
.....
N
D NON-FATAL
•FATAL
TYPE OF WEAPONS INVOLVED IN HUNTING INCIDENTS
Reflects Category Type "A. B and C'
MUZZLELOADER I ~
SHOTGUN r-------r-------~------~------,-------~
RIFLE
4
0 1 2 3 4 5
6
6 7
_.
w
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
0.5
0
• FATAL
ONON-FATAL
VICTIMS' DISTANCE IN YARDS FROM MUZZLE IN INCIDENT
Reflects Category Type "A" Incidents
0 to 10 11 to 50 51 to 100 101 + Unknown
1 0 0 0
4 3
....
~
7
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
0 +-- - - -------'
Unknown
Tu~ey ~
Squirrel I
Rabbit J
Quail
.....
U1
Grouse
Duck/Geese
Dove/Pigeon I
Deer
Bear
0 2 4
Bear Deer Dove/Pigeon
lONON-FATAL 0 14 1
jeFATAL 0 3 0
SPECIES BEING HUNTED IN INCIDENTS
Reflects Category Type "A·, "B", and "C"
6 8
- Duck/Geese Grouse Quail
2 0 0
0 0 0
10
Rabbit
1
0
J 12 14 16
Squiftel Turls~ Unknown - 1 1 0
0 -- 1 0
-
_. !
0'1
UNKNOWN r
qOAND
OVER
A&ES OF PERSONS INVOLVED IN HUNTING INCIDENTS
(Fatal & Non-Fatal)
~---.-----------.----------~--------~----~----~ 1 0
50to59~3 I 4
40to49 ~ 1 ! 4 I 30 to 39 ! 6
0 l 14
20to29 t
10 to 19 .
0 ~--------~--------~--------~--------~8
1 to 9 """'="
I 1
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 1Z
o NON-FATAJ
• FATAL
.....
-.J
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
2 4 6 8
10
• NON-FATAL • FATAL
10
10 12
~
Cl)
SHOOTER IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW AT TIME OF INCIDENT
Reflects Category Type "A, B and C"
VIOLATION
5%
NO VIOLATION
95%
I • VIOLATIO_N _ -. NOVIOLATION --l
MONTHS WHICH HUNTING INCIDENTS OCCUR
Reflects Only Months Incidents Occurred In
z
w
~
~
w
U) a:
::;)
0
0
z
-0 '0:: f?.
~ 0
0
::;) c
w
a:
w
1- z
::;)
::r:
20
z s
0 z
(/) ~ w 0 z >- z :::>
• • 0
NON-FATAL
.N..
FATAL
0
0
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS
Data Reflects All Hunting Incidents
4
5 10 15
17
• PRIVATE
• PUBLIC
20
Check Appropriate Box(es) • Official Use Only
0 Fatal NORTII CAROLINA WILDLIFE
0 Non-Fatal RESOURCES COMMISSION
v Case Number:
• 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 Jerson descends from the elevated position."
1. Day/Date of 2. Time 3. County/ 4. State/ Province S.GPS
Incident (Military) Parrish coordinates 0
UTM D
LongiLat
I I
6. Location Area or Landowner/Lease Information
A. D Public Land D. D Leased Land Name:
B. D Private Land E. 0 Other: Address:
C. D Shoofir!g Presetve Phone:
VICTIM INFORMATION
Name (Last, First, MI) License It & Type 0Male Age and DOB
0 Female I I
Address (Street, Box, Rural Route) City Stat Zip Code Resident Status
e/Pr
ov.
0 Resident
0 Non-Resident
Years of Hunting Experience: Approximate # of Miles Incident
Occurred from Victim's Residence:
Hunter Education Course: 0 Yes D No Bow Hunter Education: DYes 0 No
If yes,
Classroom Only: D Yes D No
Internet Only: 0 Yes 0 No
Hands On Bow & D Yes D No
Tree Stand
Safety:
Pass Out Test
or Home Study Course (no hands on): 0 Yes D No
Victim Used Intoxicants Prior to Incident: Failure to use prescribed medication?
A. D Yes 0 No D Unlmown 0 Yes 0 No
B. D Yes D No Illegal D Yes D No
t;t '
Describe Injuries (Be Specific) - if no injuries,
( ~;;
describe property damage and Ust value:
J
Diagram Injuries to Victim: Indicate locations of injuries on anatomical outlines)
Injury Severity: Name of Name of In case of death
A. D Fatal D. D Severe Physician: Medical Facility: name of Coroner I
B. D Minor E. D Unknown Medical Examiner:
c. 0 Moderate F. D NIA
22
INCIDENT PROFILE
Lighting: Visibility: Topography - Location
A. 0 Dawn D. 0 Dusk A. D Excellent D. D Unknown A. D Level
B. 0 Sunny E. D Dark B. 0 Good B. D Rolling
c. D Overcast F. D Unknown c. 0 Poor C. 0 Steep Hill
D. 0 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 Equip_ment failure F. D Tree climbers slipped/broke
D Fall whlle in stand
A. D Safety harness not in use c. D Fell asleep E 0 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 I Model):
D. D Manufactured tripod type (Brand/Model):
E. D Homemade climbing type
F. 0 Homemade lock on type
G. D Homemade permanent 0 Built on tree 0 Ladder type 0 Fastener Failure (type)
0 Materials in poor condition (type)
0 Other (explain):
Safety Harness Factors (Type]: 0 None D Single Belt 0 Chest 0 Full Body Harness
A. 0 Harness Failure (Condition): D Malfunction 0 Frayed D Broke Stitching
B. 0 Improper use of Harness: 0 Improper Installation D Failed to follow instructions
0 Put Harness on Incorrectly
c. 0 Other (explain):
D Failure to use haul line:
0 Other equipment failure:
Witnesses other than shooter or victim
Name Address (Street, City, State, Zip) Phone Number
1.
2.
Violations
List of Violations Enforcement Action Taken
1. DYes ll J No
2. 0 Yes ID No
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/prevention).
2. Diagram of incident scene (Indicate North by arrow & include at least two measurements of the
circumference of the tree in inches).
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).
Report Was Completed By
Investigating Officer: )J.D. #: I Date:
Assisted By: II.D. #: I Date:
Other Agencies Assisting in Investigation:
1.
2 .
Office Use Only
Reviewed by: I Title:
Date Reviewed:
23
NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
HUNTING/SHOOTING INCIDENT REPORT
Check Appropriate Box(es)
0 Fatal
Department Official Use Only
0 Non-Fatal Case Number:
0
Classification:
Self-Inflicted 0 A: Shooting While Engaged in Legal Hunting Activity
0 Property Damage Only 0 B: Shooting While Engaged in Illegal Activity
INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Prepare this report when investigating and reporting a hunting/shooting 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 hunting implement whlle engaged in hunting activity."
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT, "HUNTING" IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
To pursue, take, attempt to take, search for, stalk or lie in wait for any animal.
1. Day /Date of 2. Day of 3. Time 4 . County I Parrish 5 . State/ 6. GPS coordinates
Incident Season (Military) Province 0UTM 0Long1Lat
I I
7. Location Area or Landowner
A. 0 Public Land Name:
B. 0 Private Land Address:
C. 0 Shooting Preserve Phone:
8. Was injury or death self-inflicted?
A. 0 YES - Complete sections 9. Shooter and B. 0 NO - Complete sections 9. Shooter, 10. Victim and
11. Incident Proflle 11. Incident Proflle
9. SHOOTER
Name (Last, First, MI) License # & Type 0Male Age and DOD
0 Female I I
Address (Street, Box, Rural Route) City state/ Zip Code Resident Status
Prov.
D Resident
D Non-Resident
Years of Hunting Graduate of Hunter Level of Involvement:
Experience: Educational Course: 0 With Hunting Party 0 Individually
0 Yes- StateiProv. 0 Non-Hunter (identify activity)
Year 0 No 0 Unlmown 0 Unlmown
Shooter was in: Was Victim Out of
A. 0 Dense Cover c.o Open Area E. 0 Vehicle Sight of Shooter?
B. D Light Cover D.O Elevated Position F. D Other (specify): DYes 0No
D Unknown
Animal(s) Being Hunted: kJ In Season Shooter Wearing Blaze Orange? Blaze Orange required?
Species Oout of Season 0 Yes 0 No 0 Yes 0 No
Shooter Used Intoxicants Prior to Incident: Failure to use Shooter Licensed?
A. Alcohol 0 Yes 0 No D Unlmown prescribed medication? 0 Yes D No
B. Drugs DYes 0No Illegal 0 Yes DNa D Yes 0 No 0 Unknown 0 Not required
24
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: DYes 0No
Was shooter attempting to harvest game? Distance from muzzle to Shooter shot:
wound? D Right handed
DYes 0No 0 Left handed
Has shooter ever been involved in a hunting
incident before? DYes 0No
Was the shooter cooperative with investigation?
DYes 0No
Relationship to Victim:
Firearm/Instrument used: Type of Action: E.O Semi-Auto Type of Sight:
A. 0 Shotgun E. 0 Crossbow A. 0 Bolt F. O Muzzleloader A. 0 Open
B. D Rifle F. 0 Air/Gas Gun B.O Lever G. O Inline B. 0 Peep
c.O Handgun G. 0 Other: c.O Pump H. 0 Handgun C. 0 Scope
D.O Bow D. D Break/Hinge I. D Other D. 0 Other
Make: Model: Serial Number: Caliber I Gauge:
Capacity: Projectile Type: Ammunition: Safety Position:
A. 0 Repeater A. 0 Bullet - Caliber Weight A. 0 Factory A. DOn
B. 0 Double Barrel B.O Arrow B. D Reload B. 0 Off
C. 0 Single Shot c.o Slug-Gauge Weight c.D Unknown c.O Defective
D. D Shot - Size Material D. O Unknown
E.O Other
10. VICTlM
Name (Last, First, Ml} License # & Type 0 Male Age and DOB
0 Female I I
Address (Street, Box, Rural Route} City State/ Zip Resident Status
Prov. Code
0 Resident
D Non-Resident
Years of Hunting Graduate of Hunter Level of Involvement:
Experience: Educational Course: 0 With Hunting Party 0 Without Hunting Party
0 Yes- State/Prov. 0 Non-Hunter (identify activity)
Year 0 No 0 Unknown 0 Unlmown
Victim was in: Was Victim Out of
A. 0 Dense Cover c.o Open Area E.D Vehicle Sight of Shooter?
B. D Light Cover D. O Elevated Position F.O Other DYes 0No
0 Unknown
Type of activity shooter was involved in:
A. D Hunting C. 0 Field Trials
B. 0 Unintentional Discharge D. 0 N/A
E. O Unknown
Color of Clothing:
Cap: Coat/Vest: Trousers:
Species being hunted: D In Season Were Intoxicants used prior to incident?
0 Out of Season A. Alcohol 0 Yes 0No
0 Not Hunting B. Drugs 0 Yes 0No Illegal 0 Yes 0No
C. Prescribed Medication 0 Yes 0No
Firearm/Instrument used: Type of Action: E. Q Semi-Auto Type of Sight:
A. 0 Shotgun E. 0 Crossbow A. 0 Bolt F. 0 Caplock A. D Open
B. 0 Rifle F. D Air/Gas Gun B.D Lever G. 0 Inline B. D Peep
C. 0 Handgun G. 0 Other: c.O Pump H. 0 Revolver C. 0 Scope
D. 0 Bow D. O Break/Hinge I. 0 Other: D. 0 Other:
Make: I Model: J Serial Number: I Caliber/Gauge:
25
Capacity Projectile Type: Ammunition Safety Position
A. 0 Repeater A. D Bullet - Caliber Weight A. 0 Factory A. O On
B. 0 Double Barrel B. O Arrow B. 0 Reload B. D Off
C. 0 Single Shot c . O Slug-Gauge Weight C. 0 Unknown c.D Defective
D. O Shot - Size Material D.D Unknown
E.O Other
Was victim attempting to harvest wildlife? I Distance &om muzzle to wound:
0 Yes 0 No
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 I
A. 0 Debilitating E. O Severe Medical Examiner:O N /A
B. 0 Fatal F. 0 Unknown
c.O Minor G. 0 N/A
D. O Moderate
11. INCIDENT PROFU..E
Lighting: Visibility: Topography- Incident
A. 0 Unknown D. O Dawn A. D Excellent D. 0 Unlmown Location is:
B. 0 Dark E. O Overcast B. D Good A. D Steep
C. 0 Dusk F.O Sunny C. D Poor B. D Mountainous
Incident occurred in:
A. D Wooded Area c . O Road Right-of-way E.O River, Stream, Lake, Marsh
B. D Field/Cropland D. D Railroad Right-of-way F. O 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 injon a vehicle
_ B. Victim covered by shooter swinging on game _ N. Improper crossing of obstacle
- C. Failure to identify target - 0. Clubbing game with frrearm
- D. Victim in line of fire - P. Careless or reckless handling of firearm
- E. Ricochet _ Q. Placejremove frrearm from vehicle
- F. Defective firearm ammunition - R. Drop frrearm
- 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 frrearm
- J. Failure to check beyond target - V. Obstruction of barrel
_ K. Loading frrearm - 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?
26
Witnesses other than Shooter and Victim
Name Address (Street, City, State, Zip) Phone Number
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Shooter Violations Victim Violations
List of Violations Enforcement List of Violations Enforcement
Action Taken Action Taken
1. [] Yes [] No 1. [] Yes [] No
2. 0 Yes 0 No 2. 0 Yes 0 No
3. 0 Yes 0 No 3. 0 Yes 0 No
4. 0 Yes 0 No 4. 0 Yes 0 No
5. 0 Yes 0 No 5. 0 Yes 0 No
Shooter Hunter Education Details Victim Hunter Education Details
Classroom Course: l ] Yes D No Classroom Course: 0 Yes L J No
Hands on gun handling: 0 Yes 0 No Hands on gun handling: 0 Yes 0 No
Internet Only Course: 0 Yes 0 No Internet Only Course: 0 Yes 0 No
Field day with live fire: 0 Yes D No Field day with live fire: 0 Yes 0 No
Pass out test (no hands on training): 0 Yes 0 No Pass out test (no hands on training): 0 Yes D No
Military Firearms Training: [ ] Yes [] No Military Firearms Training: 0 Yes []No
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).
Report was completed by
Investigating Officer: I J.D. 1: 1 Date:
Assisted By: J J.D .. #: J Date:
Other Agencies Assisting in Investigation:
1.
2.
Office Use Only
Reviewed by: J Title:
Date Reviewed: I Date entered into Clearinghouse:
27
G.S. 113-270.1A 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. 113-270.1D(b)(7) or (8), or G.S.
113-351(cX3)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 bunter which enables the adult to monitor the activities
of the disabled bunter by remaining within sight and bearing 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 bunter ethics,
wildlife laws and regulations, and competency and safety in the handling of fireanns, and in so doing, may cooperate with any
political subdivision, or with any reputable organization. The course of instruction shall be conducted as follows:
(1) 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 shal1
submit to the Wildlife Resources Commission validated listings naming all persons who have successfu11y
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
successful1y 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 I, 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.
113-270.1D(bXI), (2), (3), (4), and (5), and 113-270.2(c)(2), and 1 13-351(c)(3) may be purchased by or in the name of persons who
have not obtained a hWlter education certificate of competency, subject to the requirements of this subsection. Pending satisfactory
completion ofthe 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. l; 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.
28
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 dtizens without
prejudice towards age, race, religion, or national origin. Violations of this pledge may
be reported to the Equal Employment Officer, Carol Batker, Personnel Officer, 1703
Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1703, Telephone (919) 707-0106
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
29
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. 113-270.1A
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