An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s May 2025 eNewsletter.
By Capt. Tyler Strelow
Another season is in the books for Wisconsin, and I hope it was enjoyable for all.
Most hunters I have talked with say it was an “average” season. Based on my own personal experiences and reviewing the data from our DNR warden calls for service, I agree that it was average compared to the last five years.
Unfortunately, the thing that sticks out about the season is that of the eight reportable hunting incidents in Wisconsin (across all types of hunting), three were related to waterfowl hunting.
Waterfowl hunters usually have 0-1 reportable incidents a year. Below is the synopsis of the incidents that occurred this season.
It’s important to remember that all hunting incidents are preventable if we diligently follow the firearm safety rules (TAB-K):
- T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
- K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
Waterfowl Hunting Incidents
- Incident 1 – Two hunters were hunting a pond on private property. The shooter discharged their firearm and struck the victim.
- Incident 2 – Shooter shot twice at a flock of ducks as they were flying into the decoys. One pellet from the shooter’s second shot struck the victim in the forehead.
- Incident 3 – The victim and one companion were goose hunting. The victim was in a layout blind with their shotgun along their left side and went to reposition the shotgun to prepare for incoming geese. When they brought the shotgun up and out of the blind, the shotgun fired and shot the victim in the left foot.
Firearm Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
For anyone who has been checked by a warden in the field, you will probably recall them addressing firearm safety immediately during the contact. My hunter contacts in the field often go like this:
“Hi there! I’m Tyler, a conservation warden with the DNR. Please point your firearms in a safe direction and make sure they are on safe, and then I’ll need to take a look at…”
Similar to how wardens prioritize firearm safety in the field, my sincere request to all is that you have a firearm safety conversation with your hunting partners during every hunt.
Make it a normal practice to remind each other to keep shotguns pointed in a safe direction. Call out a safety check after a volley of shots and before getting out of the blind/boat. You can implement these simple practices as a hunter that show your commitment to safety.
Since waterfowl hunting is often a social activity, firearm safety must be a top priority. Please keep yourself and your hunting partners in check, as we all want a safe and enjoyable experience in the marsh.
Stay safe out there!
