2012 Hunting Season Safest in Years

One fatality occurred in the 15 incidents reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources during the 2012 hunting season, making it the safest season in five years. The fatality occurred in St. Clair County when a coyote hunter reportedly shot and killed another hunter in an apparent accident. While there were only 12 incidents reported in 2011, five of those were fatalities. DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler credits Michigan's hunter education program with Michigan's low incident rates over the last few years.

Statistics for the last six years:

2012: 15 incidents, one fatality
2011: 12 incidents, five fatalities
2010: 14 incidents, three fatalities
2009: 18 incidents, two fatalities
2008: 22 incidents, two fatalities
2007: 32 incidents, two fatalities