The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released its annual hunting safety report for the 2025 season, and the numbers tell a clear story: hunting in New York has never been safer—at least when it comes to firearms.
But the report also underscores a persistent and often underestimated danger facing hunters: falls from tree stands.
Record-Low Shooting Incidents
According to DEC data, New York recorded:
- 7 total hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) in 2025
- 0 fatalities from those incidents
- 5 of the 7 incidents were self-inflicted
- 1 incident involved an unlicensed hunter
This marks the lowest number of incidents ever recorded in the state, continuing a decades-long downward trend driven by hunter education, stricter regulations, and increased safety awareness.
The Real Danger: Tree Stand Falls
While firearm-related incidents continue to decline, tree stand and elevated hunting accidents remain a serious issue.
- 9 falls from tree stands or elevated platforms were reported
- 1 fatality resulted from those falls
These numbers reinforce what many safety experts have been saying for years: you are more likely to be seriously injured falling from a stand than in a shooting incident.
Why Incidents Still Happen
The report highlights a familiar pattern—most firearm incidents are preventable and often involve:
- Hunters failing to maintain muzzle control
- Mistaking movement or sound for game
- Improper handling while climbing or crossing obstacles
The fact that most incidents were self-inflicted further emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in the field.
DEC Safety Recommendations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continues to stress core safety practices:
- Always treat every firearm as loaded
- Identify your target and what’s beyond it
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
- Wear hunter orange or pink to remain visible
For elevated hunting, the agency strongly recommends:
- Wearing a full-body fall arrest system (FAS) at all times
- Maintaining three points of contact while climbing
- Inspecting stands and straps before each hunt
What It Means for Hunters
For New York hunters, the takeaway is twofold:
- Firearm safety efforts are working — education and awareness continue to drive incidents down
- Tree stand safety needs more attention — especially as more hunters rely on elevated setups
The 2025 season proves that hunting can be safer than ever—but only when hunters stay disciplined, prepared, and focused on the fundamentals.
Bottom Line
New York’s latest report is a success story for the hunting community—but also a reminder:
The biggest risk in the woods isn’t always the trigger—it’s the climb.
