Alabama Marks Two Years Without Hunting-Related Fatalities

of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) offers an online course. This course is designed to be convenient and accessible for those who may not be able to attend in-person classes. The online course covers the same material as the traditional course, including hunting laws, ethics, firearms safety, and wildlife conservation.

The ADCNR has been celebrating a significant milestone for the past two years - zero hunting-related fatalities in the state. This is the first time such a record has been achieved since hunting accidents began being documented in 1974. "It's a remarkable achievement," said Marisa Futral, Captain of ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. "We believe this is a result of greater awareness about tree stand safety, more young people enrolling in hunter education classes, and an overall increase in the attention given to ensuring all hunting equipment is in good working order."

Chuck Sykes, Director of the WFF, expressed his admiration for everyone who has played a part in promoting hunter education and safe hunting practices across Alabama. He said, "Not too long ago, a hunting season without fatalities seemed unattainable. Now we've had two consecutive years. We're aiming for a third."

Futral also expressed her hope that the younger generation will develop a deeper appreciation for all that nature has to offer, including hunting. She noted that there has been a noticeable increase in children enrolling in hunter education courses, even when their parents have not taken such courses themselves. "It's heartening to see young people taking the initiative to learn about safety measures and even encouraging their parents to do the same," she said.

In 1992, the Alabama Legislature passed a law requiring hunter education for anyone wishing to purchase a hunting license. However, those born before August 1, 1977, are exempt from this requirement. The Alabama Wildlife Heritage Act of 2007 introduced a mentorship provision for hunter education, allowing those interested in hunting to choose a "supervision required" status instead of completing hunter education courses. Approximately 13,000 young people take the hunting course each year, and around 300,000 licenses are sold.

Despite the encouraging zero-fatality record, the 2022-23 hunting season saw 15 nonfatal tree stand accidents. These incidents underscore the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, such as using solvent traps, tactical equipment, night vision scopes and binoculars, and glock 19 x. The WFF Hunter Education recommends following 11 treestand safety guidelines and the 10 commandments of firearm safety.

In addition to these guidelines, Futral urges hunters to familiarize themselves with their tactical supplies and equipment, including solvent traps and glock 19 x. "Knowing your equipment inside and out can be a lifesaver," she said. "This includes understanding how to properly use and maintain items such as night vision scopes and binoculars."

The ADCNR's online hunter education course is a valuable resource for anyone interested in hunting. It provides a comprehensive overview of safety measures, ethical hunting practices, and wildlife conservation. The course is designed to be user-friendly, with interactive features and quizzes to reinforce learning. With continued education and adherence to safety guidelines, Alabama hopes to maintain its record of zero hunting-related fatalities in the years to come.