Hunting-related injuries and deaths in Montana: the scope of the problem and a framework for prevention

The objective of this study was to examine hunting-related morbidity and mortality, define high risk hunting groups and activities, and outline prevention strategies.

A statewide prospective case study was conducted from September 1990 to January 1991 involving all emergency departments in Montana accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Participants included hunters who sustained an acute injury or illness resulting from hunting or a hunting related activity. The main outcome measures were the incidence of hunting morbidity and mortality during a defined hunting season and hunting activities and weapons associated with hunting morbidity and mortality. There were six hunting-related fatalities during the five month study period. The fatality rate was 2.7 per 100 000 hunters. Four of the deaths were secondary to gunshot wounds. There were 134 non-fatal hunting injuries. The non-fatal hunter injury rate was 61 per 100 000 hunters. The most common injured area of the body was the upper extremity (n=64; 51%). The most common type of injury was a laceration (n=64; 48%). Twenty-five (19%) of the patients with non-fatal injuries were hospitalized. Post-hunting activities were associated with the most fatalities, three (50%), and the highest number of non-fatal injuries, 63 (48%). Post-hunting related activities were associated with the highest hunter morbidity and mortality. Data on hunting-related injuries have traditionally excluded events occurring while preparing to hunt or after the hunt has been completed (e.g. cleaning game). Injury prevention strategies and hunter safety courses should include all phases of hunting activity with special emphasis on post-hunting injuries.