A hunting accident can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a fall from a tree stand, a firearm mishap, or another outdoor injury, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming.
Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery are just a few of the challenges that victims and their families may face. You shouldn’t have to face them alone.
When it comes to hunting accidents, it’s important to know the risks, how to mitigate them, and the common injuries they cause. If you were injured in a hunting accident due to another party’s negligence, a Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation.
Hunting Accidents in Maryland: What You Need to Know
Hunting is a popular outdoor activity in Maryland, especially during deer season. It brings people together, encourages time in nature, and supports wildlife management.
Like any sport, hunting comes with risks. Each year, accidents happen across the state, and understanding how they occur—and how to prevent them—is important for every hunter.
What Is a Hunting Accident?
A hunting accident is any injury or death that happens during hunting activities. These can involve firearms, falls from tree stands, or other outdoor hazards. Some accidents are minor, but others can be serious or even fatal.
How Common Are Hunting Accidents in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), there were 20 reported hunting accidents in fiscal year 2024, including 5 fatalities and 15 non-fatal injuries. These incidents involved both firearm-related accidents and falls from tree stands.
Breakdown by cause:
- Careless firearm handling: 8 incidents (4 fatal, 4 non-fatal)
- Falls from tree stands: 10 incidents (all non-fatal)
- Other causes: 2 incidents (including knife injuries and crossbow mishaps)
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Common Types of Hunting Accidents in Maryland
Hunting comes with several hazards, each of which can cause serious injury. Some of the most common hunting accidents, according to the Maryland Hunting Accident Report FY24, include:
Tree Stand Falls
Falls from tree stands are the most common type of hunting accident in Maryland. In 2024, 10 hunters were injured after falling from elevated stands. These falls often happen when hunters are climbing up or down, or when equipment fails.
Examples include:
- A 65-year-old Frederick County hunter fell when rusty cables snapped.
- A 39-year-old Garrett County hunter slipped while climbing a ladder.
- A 44-year-old Cecil County hunter fell 30 feet after forgetting to attach his safety harness.
Most of these hunters were not wearing safety harnesses, which could have prevented serious injuries.
Firearm Accidents
Firearm-related accidents are also a major concern. In 2024, Maryland reported 8 incidents involving guns. These included:
- A 59-year-old Talbot County hunter who accidentally shot a passing car while aiming at a goose.
- A 24-year-old Frederick County hunter who missed a deer and hit a nearby house.
- A 74-year-old Queen Anne’s County hunter who shot himself in the leg with a pistol.
These accidents often happen due to poor judgment, lack of awareness, or failure to follow safety rules.
Other Injuries
Other types of hunting injuries in Maryland include:
- Knife wounds during field dressing (e.g., a Frederick County hunter stabbed his own arm).
- Crossbow injuries from improper hand placement.
- Falls inside blinds or from ladders.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Hunters of all ages can be injured, but older adults are more likely to suffer serious injuries. In 2024:
- Most tree stand falls involved hunters over age 50.
- Firearm accidents affected hunters from ages 14 to 74.
- New hunters and those unfamiliar with safety gear are also at higher risk.
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When and Where Do Accidents Happen?
Most accidents in Maryland occur during deer season, which runs from fall through winter. Many incidents happen in rural counties like Frederick, Garrett, Washington, and Dorchester.
Accidents often occur in clear weather, during daylight hours, and while hunting deer or dove. This shows that even in good conditions, safety must be a top priority.
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Maryland’s Hunting Safety Rules
Maryland has strict safety rules to help prevent accidents:
- Hunter Safety Education is required for all first-time hunters.
- Hunters must carry a Certificate of Competency in firearms and safety.
- Apprentice licenses are available for new hunters under supervision.
- Wearing hunter orange is strongly encouraged, especially during firearm seasons.
The Maryland DNR also offers free hunter education courses, online resources, and printed guides to help hunters stay informed.
How to Stay Safe While Hunting in Maryland
There are ways to mitigate risks while hunting, including:
Use Safety Gear
- Always wear a full-body harness when using a tree stand.
- Make sure your stand is secure and follow proper climbing techniques.
- Never carry a loaded weapon while climbing.
Follow Firearm Safety Rules
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Always identify your target and what’s beyond it.
- Never point your gun at another person.
Know Your Surroundings
Be aware of nearby homes, roads, and other hunters. Several Maryland accidents in 2024 involved bullets or pellets hitting houses or vehicles.
Take a Safety Course
Even if you’ve hunted before, taking a refresher course can help. Maryland’s Hunter Education Program covers:
- Firearm handling
- Tree stand safety
- Wildlife management
- First aid and emergency response
Stay Healthy and Alert
Hunting can be physically demanding. Make sure you’re in good health before heading out. Stay hydrated, dress for the weather, and take breaks when needed.
Avoid alcohol or drugs while hunting. Stay alert and focused. Communicate clearly with your hunting partners and follow all local laws and regulations.
What to Do if an Accident Happens
If you or someone else is injured while hunting:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Provide first aid if you are trained.
- Report the incident to the Maryland Natural Resources Police.
- Document the scene with photos and notes.
- Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
Maryland law requires hunters to report serious accidents. This helps improve safety programs and prevent future incidents.
Moving Forward After a Hunting Accident in Maryland
At The Bishop Law Group, we understand the serious impact a hunting accident can have. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you explore your legal options, including pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We also assist with insurance claims and investigate whether negligence or unsafe conditions contributed to your injury.
Whether you’re seeking justice, financial recovery, or peace of mind, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way. Our team has deep knowledge of Maryland’s hunting laws and personal injury statutes, and we’re ready to advocate for your rights.
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