Michigan DNR reports one deer hunter has been injured so far in 2024

On By Pranco

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State officials say only one hunter was injured during the regular firearms deer season that began Nov. 15, fewer than was reported around this time a year ago.

The DNR’s Michigan Hunting Related Incident Summary for all of 2023 lists 10 incidents, none fatal, among hunters, including five during firearms season.

The Associated Press reported that three hunters have died this year of suspected heart attacks, but the Department of Natural Resources does not track such incidents.

The current DNR 2024 summary includes three incidents for the year, and only one during firearms season.

Here’s what we know.

How many hunters will be injured hunting deer in 2024?

Only one through November 22.

A 42-year-old hunter from Lapeer County struck a 41-year-old hunter on Nov. 16, possibly with a ricocheted bullet.

The DNR said the two were about 300 yards apart when the hunter shot a deer twice. The second fighter was hit in the face. The DNR said the hunter “failed to identify beyond the target.”

How does this year compare to previous seasons?

In 2023, the DNR reported five incidents resulting in injuries during the firearms season.

Two incidents involved people being shot by other hunters, two involved people shooting themselves, while one incident involved a firearm exploding when fired.

The summary notes that in 2022, one person shot themselves in the foot during gun season, and in 2021, two people were injured by firearms.

Have any hunters died this season?

Three people, ages 57, 65 and 83, have died of suspected heart attacks so far this season Associated press reported.

“The DNR keeps track of incidents involving hunter fatalities,” said Ed Golder, DNR public information officer. “Hunter casualty incidents are defined as occurrences or occurrences that result in bodily harm or death to a person or persons where a hunting implement is discharged or used while engaged in a hunting activity. We do not track incidents that fall outside of this definition, such as falling from tree stands or heart attacks while hunting.”

When does firearm deer season end?

Michigan’s firearms deer season closes on November 30.

How many deer have been killed this season?

The DNR reported more than 108,000 deer taken during firearms deer season as of Tuesday morning.