The beginning of deer hunting season in the US is associated with a significant increase in firearm-related incidents, including violent crimes and suicides, according to a study published in The BMJ. Researchers found that while hunting-related injuries rose as expected, non-hunting incidents, such as domestic violence and suicide, also spiked during this period. The findings suggest that greater firearm availability during hunting season may contribute to these trends.
The study focused on 10 states with high hunting activity—Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin—analyzing data from 2016 to 2019. Using the Gun Violence Archive, researchers compared firearm incident rates during the three weeks around the start of hunting season to control periods before and after.
Key findings revealed a 12% overall increase in firearm incidents during hunting season. Hunting-related incidents surged by 566%, but non-hunting incidents also rose, including suicides (11%), domestic violence (27%), and home invasions (30%). The researchers noted that increased firearm availability during this time might lower barriers for misuse, though they emphasized that the study does not prove causality.
The team stated, “Increased firearm availability around hunting season opening may lower barriers for firearms to be used in suicide attempts or against others.” They also highlighted the need for further research to understand the exact mechanisms behind these trends.
The study underscores the potential risks tied to heightened firearm accessibility during hunting season. While hunting-related injuries are predictable, the rise in other incidents suggests broader public safety implications. The researchers recommend targeted firearm safety efforts at the start of hunting season to mitigate both hunting and non-hunting related injuries. Future studies could explore specific causal pathways to inform effective prevention strategies.
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