Hunting safety records in Maine have been kept since 1940. In 1986 mandatory hunter education classes took effect and since that time, Maine has experienced its safest hunting seasons.
The safest hunting season on record occurred in 1998 when there were only 3 reported injuries resulting from hunting activities. In 2003 and 2005, only 5 people were hurt. This year, so far with a few days left in the calendar year, there have been 11 reported injuries and no deaths.
The majority of injuries that occurred were the result of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. All but one were hunters as a person in a boat was injured when a bird shot pellet ricocheted off the water and struck him. No medical attention was required.
Over the past few years, Maine has sold on average around 210,000 resident and non-resident hunting licenses. This number has held relatively steady during this time.
The preliminary figures indicate around 29,400 deer were tagged this season, about what was expected. Final figures will be available at a later date.
Tom Remington
