Alabama's Deer Season Safest In Years

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced today that there were no firearms or tree stand related fatalities this past deer season. It marks the first time no deaths were reported since records began in 1973. Alabama's hunting incident rate has decreased since the mandatory hunter education program was implemented in 1993. But the department cautions hunters to continue using safe hunting practices during other game seasons that continue through April. Nine nonfatal firearms incidents have been reported since the opening of dove season in September and only four of the nine occurred because of deer hunting activities. Eight nonfatal tree stand incidents have been reported since the opening of the archery deer season on October 15th. Deer season ended on January 31st. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries director Corky Pugh urges hunters to use good judgment and exercise all safety precautions during the remainder of this hunting season.