I remember hearing this misconception about hunting on a cable news show not too long ago and afterwards, I researched some of its claims.
Misconception #2: Huntering is dangerous, and many of those who do it are inept, inconsiderate, or trigger happy.
My Thoughts: Hunting would seem more prone to accidents and fatalities than outdoor activities that don't use firearms. Not so. The National Safety Council's most recent statistics show that roughly 100 people die nationwide in hunting accidents each year. While any hunting related death is unfortunate, that number pales in comparison to the more than 1,500 who die annually in swimming-related incidents.
Just as they handle their gun cautiously, so do most hunters strive to kill game as cleanly as possible. Hunters practice their marksmanship, study wildlife behavior, and take pains to follow a wounded animal to ensure any suffering ends quickly.
Most hunters obey the law and act ethically. To nab wrongdoers, hunters themselves have created programs where they can turn in poachers. In Minnesota this program is called Turn in Poachers (a lot of thought obviously went into that name). These organizations are nonprofit and offer rewards for info leading to the arrest of game law violators.
Any activity or sport has bad apples. But the majority of hunters are respectful, educated, and conduct themselves with safety being the highest priority.
Anyone out there have thoughts as to why hunting has such a low fatality rate and is proven to be one of the safest activities you can involve yourself in???