[Gunshot fatalities in connection with hunting and hunting rifles--causes, prevention and expert evaluation]

Abstract

Fatalities due to gunshot injury by hunting firearm or during hunting, that had been investigated in the Institute of Legal Medicine of Hamburg University during the last 20 years, were retrospectively analyzed from the view points of epidemiology, morphology, criminology and ballistics. Thirteen accidents, 23 suicides and 13 homicides were included in this study. Female victims were observed in only 2 cases. In the accidents, the age of the most victims ranged from 30 to 60 years. Seven of 13 accidental victims killed themselves; remaining 6 were shot by other hunters. Nine accidents happened during hunting. The most frequently used firearm in cases of suicide and homicide was a shotgun whereas accidents preferably occurred with rifles. In some homicidal cases pistols were also used. The entrance wound was localized mostly in the head, neck or breast. Shooting in the mouth was observed in many suicidal cases. Although many victims were shot in the hunting ground, 15 of 23 suicides were performed at home. In 3 homicides which occurred in the hunting ground, the murderer committed another crime with the robbed hunting firearm of the victim. Three accidents occurred during training in the shooting-gallery. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was determined in 28 cases. Different degrees of drunkeness were observed in 2 self-inflicted accidents, 5 suicides and 2 homicidal cases. No BAC determinations were performed on the shooters. Ten case histories are presented. The discussion concentrates on the effect of the kind of firearm and ammunition on the appearance of the wound, prevention of accidents, and the principles of reconstruction, especially concerning the differentiation accident/suicide. The forensic expert investigating gunshot injuries during hunting should have personal experience in this field. The most frequent cause of accidents was careless handling of the loaded firearm and violation of invulnerable rules for safety during hunting.