South Dakota is one of the states most at risk of hunting accidents, according to new study

South Dakota is one of the states most at risk of hunting accidents, according to new study

• A new study has uncovered the average number of long-gun firearm checks and hunting licenses issued in each state during 2024 so far
• Wyoming has been identified as the state most in danger, with the highest number of long-gun checks and hunting licenses issued
• Montana and South Dakota place second and third in the ranking, respectively
• Experts discuss safety measures American hunters should take this year to prevent accidents and fatalities

A new study has revealed which states are most at risk of hunting accidents this season.

Florida-based injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed data from the FBI and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Hunting Service to uncover which states had the most long-gun firearm checks and hunting licenses issued in 2024.

The number of long-gun firearm checks and hunting licenses issued was averaged per 100,000 people in each state to determine which state has the most hunters and, therefore, the most potential for accidents.

Each state has been given a risk score out of ten based on its average long-gun firearm checks and hunting licenses issued. The states with the highest averages received the highest risk scores, which determined the ranking.

Wyoming is most at risk of hunting accidents this year, with the highest risk score of 9.6. During 2024, there were 2,601.97 long-gun firearm checks and 22,632.21 hunting licenses issued per 100,000 people in Wyoming.

Montana is runner-up, with a risk score of 9.2. The state has seen an average of 2,758.19 long-gun firearm checks and 20,948.93 hunting licenses issued per 100,000 residents this year so far.

Third is South Dakota, with a risk score of 8.5. South Dakota’s score was amassed by the 24,726.16 hunting licenses issued and 1,844.74 long-gun firearm checks per 100,000 citizens.

Following in fourth is North Dakota, with a risk score of 8.0. In 2024, the state has seen 2,168.06 long-gun firearm checks and 18,892.22 hunting licenses issued per 100,000 residents.

West Virginia is at number five, with a risk score of 6.7. So far, 14,976.97 hunting licenses have been issued and 1,931.73 long-gun firearm checks have been made per 100,000 people in 2024.

Alaska ranks sixth in the country, with a risk score of 6.6. This year, Alaska has issued 12,836.27 hunting licenses and has made 2,090.93 long-gun firearm checks per 100,000 people.

Idaho and Maine tie for seventh, with a risk score of 6.2. Idaho has seen 14,802.78 hunting licenses issued and 1,689.80 long-gun firearm checks per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, Maine has made 1,607.70 long-gun firearm checks and issued 15,310.07 hunting licenses per 100,000 residents in 2024 so far.

Eighth is Oregon, with a risk score of 5.7. The state has seen 2,117.02 long-gun firearm checks this year and 7,870.73 hunting licenses issued per 100,000 people.

At number nine is Tennessee, with a risk score of 5.1. Tennessee has issued 11,845.55 hunting licenses and has made 1,412.57 long-gun firearm checks per 100,000 citizens this year.

Tying in the tenth spot are Wisconsin and Alabama, with a risk score of 5.0. Wisconsin has made 1,423.44 long-gun firearm checks and has issued 11,245.86 hunting licenses per 100,000 residents this year.

Alabama has issued 9,526.81 hunting licenses and has made 1,589.99 long-gun firearm checks per 100,000 people in 2024 so far.

A spokesperson from Anidjar & Levine commented on the findings,

“Hunting can be incredibly dangerous; therefore, hunters must apply safety measures when participating in the activity. Hunters should treat every firearm as loaded by always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

“Unload your firearm when crossing fences, climbing trees, or traversing slippery terrain. It is also wise to store firearms and ammunition separately and always keep them out of the reach of children.

“Be sure to let someone know your hunting plans, location, and your expected return. Therefore, your loved ones could identify the possibility of an accident if the venture does not go to plan.”