Navigating Hunting Incidents

Tim Flanigan, a retired Pennsylvania wildlife conservation officer and author of the acclaimed books Grouse and Woodcock and Night Killers, Blood Lusting Poachers was asked to share his expertise on handling hunting incidents and unintentional mistakes.

With decades of experience, Flanigan emphasizes the importance of honesty, asking for help, and following proper procedures when working with law enforcement.

A: Don’t panic. Leave the scene undisturbed, as officers will investigate to verify your story. Call the area wildlife officer for help immediately. Start by saying, “I need your help,” then report the incident. Asking authorities for help disarms overzealous conservation officers and shows you want to cooperate. If cell service is spotty, go to where you can make the call. Be honest about what happened, like accidentally killing two turkeys with one shot, and follow the officer’s instructions, whether it’s waiting right where you are or bringing the birds out. Complete honesty also disarms even the most arrogant officer.

A: It’s a powerful phrase. It shifts the dynamic from confrontation to cooperation, disarming officers who might otherwise look for a quick citation. Asking for help shows contrition and respect, making them more likely to assist rather than penalize. Pair your request for help with honesty. Saying, “Here’s what happened” sets a constructive tone.

A: The top mistakes are not having a license [or tags], incidents like killing two birds accidentally, and trespassing. Carry a copy of your license for exactly this reason. If you lose your license or leave it at home, at least you have something to show you are licensed.

Further, trespassing can be a huge issue in some states and is aggressively prosecuted. Use tools like the OnX app or the Hunt Wise app to identify and immediately contact the landowner, if possible. If connecting with the owner is not possible, contact your wildlife agency and say, “I need your help.” The process is the same: report it, be honest, and comply with instructions.

A: Make an obvious attempt to stay legal. Write a makeshift tag with whatever you have, paper, a bandage, anything, and attach it to the bird. Carry it back to your vehicle and tag it properly. If you see an officer, flag them down proactively, saying, “I need your help.” Don’t just hope they won’t see you or engage with you. Step up. Don’t leave the bird untagged and run back and forth, that’s risky. Show intent and honesty; officers can see when you’re trying to do the right thing.

A: If someone’s hurt and alive, help them if they can move, or make them comfortable and run to find help, whether it’s getting a phone signal or finding another person. For a death, leave the scene untouched, mark it with a physical or GPS waypoint, and get to where you can call 911 and the agency. Emergency signaling devices are also wise choices, if you can afford them, especially in remote areas.

A: Use anything noticeable, an orange hat, a coat or a broken branch. The goal is to give you a visual to guide you back to the scene. Modern cell phones and GPS units let you mark exact coordinates, which is ideal. Drop a waypoint and get help fast. The goal is to ensure police or officers can find the spot without delay.

A: Yes. Review the 10 Commandments of Shooting Safety annually before the season. Most accidents happen within hunting parties, so communicate clearly with partners and never assume you’re alone. Overconfidence, like thinking you can’t err, or no one’s nearby, leads to tragedy. A refresher reinforces the certainty of your target, which saves lives.

A: If you injure someone, render aid immediately; it’s legally required. If they’re ambulatory, help them out of the woods. If not, make them comfortable and run or call for help. Mark the spot with something visible, like an orange hat, or use GPS to guide [officers or medical personnel] to the scene. A death requires a serious criminal investigation by the conservation officers and state police or local authorities.

Hunter-ed.com reports the leading cause of turkey-hunting incidents is hunters failing to positively identify their target before shooting. The unique nature of turkey hunting explains this problem: hunters dress in full camouflage, hide, and then make turkey sounds to attract other turkeys. Naturally, they also attract other hunters who are looking for turkeys to shoot.

In reviewing data regarding shooting incidents among turkey hunters, provided by the International Hunter Education Association, of the approximate 1,000 turkey hunting incidents in its database, failure to identify the target is the overwhelming culprit. However, other factors included careless or reckless handling of a firearm, improper crossing of an obstacle, victim covered by shooter swinging on game, and victim out of sight of shooter.

Flannigan has seen it all in law enforcement. Heeding his advice is paramount to safety, interacting with conservation officers, and being an honest and cooperative hunter.

Today, Flannigan remains in the shooting sports industry as a renowned wildlife photographer, outdoor writer, book author and seminar speaker. Find him online at Nature Exposure or on Facebook.

■ Have your local conservation office and law enforcement officer’s phone numbers in your phone, just in case.

■ Consider meeting your local officer at an event or even in the office. Getting to know your conservation officers means working with people you already know.

■ Carry paper and a Sharpie in your vest/backpack. They’re as important as shells and calls if you get in a pickle.

■ Make a copy of your license to put in your hunting jacket/pants/backpack. If you lose your real license or leave it at home, the copy will help immensely. Yes, the info is online but having it to hand over makes life easier for the officer.

■ Carry your phone, GPS, a first-aid kit and/or personal location beacon.

■ Read and reread hunting regulations. None of us know it all. Preparation pays off.