Staying Safe in the Field: A Public Health Perspective on Hunter and Firearm Safety
As hunting season arrives in Wisconsin, the excitement of time outdoors, tradition, and connection to the land fills the air. Along with that excitement comes an important reminder that hunter and firearm safety are essential to keeping our community healthy and injury-free.
From a public health perspective, firearm injuries remain a preventable cause of death and hospitalization. In rural areas where hunting is deeply rooted in the culture, responsible gun ownership and safety practices protect hunters, their families, and their neighbors.
“Public health is about preventing harm before it happens,” said Josh McGrath, Public Health Specialist for Jackson County. “That includes ensuring people have the knowledge and tools to handle firearms safely.”
Wisconsin requires all first-time hunters born after 1973 to complete a certified Hunter Education course. These courses teach safe firearm handling, target identification, and awareness of safe hunting zones. Even experienced hunters benefit from reviewing these principles each year.
Most accidents happen when people are tired, distracted, or complacent. Taking a few minutes to check your firearm, review your surroundings, and communicate with your group can make all the difference.
Firearm safety is built on simple habits that prevent injuries. Hunters are encouraged to always treat a firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, rest their finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot, and be certain of their target and what lies beyond it.
Gun safety does not end when the hunt is over. Safe storage in the home is just as important. Keeping firearms unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition greatly reduces the risk of accidents, especially among children and teens. Communities with higher rates of safe storage see fewer unintentional injuries and suicides involving firearms.
To support safe storage, free gun locks are available from Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services at 421 County Road R in Black River Falls during regular business hours.
Hunter safety and firearm safety go hand in hand. When we look at gun safety through a public health lens, it is not about limiting access. It is about promoting responsibility and caring for one another.
As the season unfolds, Jackson County Public Health encourages all hunters to refresh their safety knowledge, talk with family members about responsible firearm storage, and model safe behaviors for younger generations.
Every safe return from the field is a public health success. It means traditions continue, families stay whole, and our community stays strong.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.