Treestrand-Related Injuries Outnumber Projectile-Related Injuries in Arkansas Hunters, 1993-2022

Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiologic data on hunting-related injuries is sparse. Most published studies in this arena come from case reports or case series from a trauma department or state trauma registry. Relatively few of the studies have attempted to calculate rates of injury by demographic characteristics or hunting-related activities. In this study, we summarize the epidemiologic trends in hunting-related injuries in Arkansas over the last 30 years.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of hunter injury data collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 1993 to 2022 was performed.

Results: Analyses showed that the overall number of hunting-related injuries decreased by 0.16 per 100,000 licensees per year during the study period (P=0.0009). Projectile-related injuries decreased by 0.24 per 100,000 licensees (P=0.00001), and treestand-related injuries increased by 0.06 per 100,000 licensees (P=0.02) during the same time (both trends P<0.00001). treestand-related injuries now account for two thirds of all hunting-related injuries reported to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Among hunters subject to hunter education certification mandates, compliance was 48.7%.

Conclusions: Although projectile-related hunting injuries have decreased in Arkansas in the last 30 years, treestand-related hunting injuries have increased. These injuries are largely preventable if the hunter follows treestand safety recommendations (such as using a body harness and tether at all times when off the ground), as recommended by the Treestand Manufacturers of America. In addition, implementing strategies to improve compliance with hunter education certification also may help reduce injury rates.

Keywords: accident prevention; outdoor education; wilderness event medicine.