The Michigan DNR reports 1 deer hunter injured in 2024

State officials say only one hunter was injured during the regular deer hunting season, which began Nov. 15, less than a year ago at this time.

The DNR’s published summary of Michigan hunting incidents for all of 2023 reported 10 incidents, none of which were fatal, among hunters, including five during the firearms season.

The Associated Press reported that three hunters died this year of suspected heart attacks, but the Department of Natural Resources does not track such incidents.

The current 2024 DNR summary includes three events per year and only one during the firearms season.

Here’s what we know.

How many hunters were injured while hunting deer in 2024?

Only one November 22.

On November 16, a 42-year-old hunter from Lapeer County struck a 41-year-old hunter with an apparent ricochet.

The DNR says the two were about 370 yards apart when the hunter shot the deer twice. The second hunter was hit in the face. The DNR said the hunter “failed to identify an off-target target.”

How does this year compare to previous seasons?

In 2023, the DNR reported five incidents resulting in injuries during the firearms season.

Two incidents involved people being shot by other hunters, two incidents where people shot at each other, and in one incident, a firearm exploded after being fired.

The summary indicated that in 2022, one person shot himself in the foot during the firearms season, and in 2021, two people were injured by firearms.

Have any hunters died this season?

Three men, aged 57, 65 and 83, have died this season from suspected heart attacks Related press reported.

“The DNR tracks hunter accidents,” said Ed Golder, DNR public information officer. “Hunting accident incidents are defined as events or occurrences that result in physical injury or death to a person or persons involving the discharge or use of a hunting implement while hunting. We do not track events that fall outside this definition, such as falling from a tree stand or having a heart attack while hunting.”

When does the firearms deer season end?

Michigan’s firearms deer season ends on November 30.

How many deer have been killed this season?

DNR reported as of Tuesday morning, more than 108,000 deer were taken during the firearms season.