IHEA ( International Hunting Education Association) Shotgun Accident Reports/ How TriggerSafe could reduce accidents by 29%
The following statistics and summaries were taken directly from the IHEA database using the incidents from the last ten years and involving a shotgun. Of all of the records, using a TriggerSafe® could have prevented 29% of all of the recorded incidents. All of the states that submitted information to IHEA follow with a small summary of the accident that occurred. These summaries are very short for space considerations. If you would like the longer report with more descriptive summaries, just email me and I’ll send you the full PDF. Let us know in the comments your thoughts or questions. Stay safe.
Detailed Incidents by State Below are detailed accounts for states with available incident
summaries. Each section includes key incidents, focusing on shotgun-related accidents
since 2016. Incidents are listed chronologically where dates are provided.
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Alabama
• Entries: 31
• Preventable: 13%
• Incidents:
• 2024: A teen accidentally shot himself with a shotgun while pulling it from
the back seat of a truck. Fatality; described as a "classic example of a
common accident" by Michael Bloxom (ADCNR).
• 2022: After hunting, shotguns fell over in the back seat (loaded, safety off).
Victim's 12-gauge discharged, striking abdomen with size 4 steel shot.
Charging handle engaged trigger during fall.
• 2017: While crossing a creek, father fell, causing gun to discharge and strike
victim's right leg below the knee.
• 2017: Victim pulled gun out of ATV barrel-first; trigger caught on backpack,
discharging into neck (fatal). Shotgun not on safe.
Alaska
• Entries: 7
• Preventable: 85%
• Incidents:
• 2025: Victim placed shotgun in pickup bed on top of another firearm;
negligent discharge struck groin.
• 2016: Victim shot leg while shotgun was in case on snowmachine.
• 2013: Victim set shotgun on lap gun shifted and discharged into foot.
• 2016: Pulled shotgun from truck barrel-first; discharged into torso.
• 2016: Slipped on rocks; shotgun fired into face.
• 2011: 9-year-old fell backward while shooting rabbit; discharged into
brother's chest (fatal).
• 2011: Dropped shotgun while picking up; discharged into another's
boot/foot.
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Arizona
• Entries: 9
• Preventable: N/A (No summary information to determine causes.)
Arkansas
• Entries: 16
• Preventable: 43%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Victim leaned forward during prayer circle; shotgun (butt on ground)
discharged into left back. Safety status unknown.
• 2018: Shooter grabbed firearms after setting decoys; finger hit trigger (safety
off), striking victim's shoulder.
• 2021: Tripped over limb; broken limb through trigger guard caused discharge
into left leg.
• 2023: Repositioned firearm in blind; trigger caught on duck call, discharging
into left foot.
• 2022: Removing firearm from shoulder; trigger caught on vest, striking calf.
• 2021: Rested muzzle on foot; discharged into right foot.
• 2017: Tripped while retrieving shotgun to kill snake; discharged into leg.
California
• Entries: 29
• Preventable: 24%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Set loaded firearm in cart; unknown force caused discharge into leg.
• 2005: Stock struck blind bottom; gun discharged while catching it.
• 2016: Dropped shotgun while retrieving waterfowl; discharged into ankle.
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• 2018: Reached for child; hand slid to muzzle, gun discharged into hand.
Trigger caught on object.
• 2018: Moved shotgun muzzle-down; unexpectedly discharged into shin.
• 2016: Slipped and fell; shot foot.
• 2017: Weapon caught on clothing while moving; ricocheted pellets struck
hand/leg.
Colorado
• Entries: 17
• Preventable: 29%
• Incidents:
• 2021: Pulled loaded shotgun from backseat muzzle-first; stick caught trigger,
fatal stomach wound.
• 2016: Stumbled into hole; shotgun fell and discharged into chest/torso of
partner.
• 2023: Tripped over dirt mound; reflexively pulled trigger, into foot.
• 2022: Dog stepped on trigger in backseat; fatal stomach wound.
• 2022: Dog stepped on shotgun outside blind; discharged into leg.
Florida
• Entries: 35
• Preventable: 17%
• Incidents:
• 2016: Entangled in brush; firearm discharged into chest (fatal).
• 2020: Shotgun fell while letting dogs out; discharged into foot.
• 2023: Placed shotgun in vessel; discharged, ricocheted into arm.
• 2016: Slinging shotgun after urinating; discharged into foot.
• 2020: Unintentionally shot foot.
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• 2016: Shotgun fell and discharged while removing vest; struck back (safety
thought engaged).
Georgia
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A (Multiple entries before 2012; no recent data.)
Idaho
• Entries: 2
• Preventable: 50%
• Incidents:
• 2016: Shotgun blast to left hand; trigger caught on object.
Illinois
• Entries: 30
• Preventable: 26%
• Incidents:
• 2016: Firearm hung up in blind; pulled trigger, into foot (removed toes).
• 2001: Muzzle on foot; accidental discharge.
• 2004: Loaded firearm in vehicle discharged into legs.
• 2018: Handed shotgun down; hit safety off, lost grip, discharged into
arm/shoulder.
• 2022: Rested muzzle on boot in chair; discharged into foot (lost toes).
• 2016: Reached for face paint; shotgun fell, discharged into back.
• 2023: Repositioned firearm in stand; discharged into thigh/calf/shin.
• 2017: Lost footing around tree; discharged into abdomen.
• 2017: Grabbed shotgun from above in stand; hit trigger, into foot.
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Indiana
• Entries: 10
• Preventable: 30%
• Incidents:
• 2022: Pulled shotgun from vehicle barrel-first; discharged into arm.
• 2019: Sitting with firearm on legs; discharged (thicker gloves, safety thought
on).
• 2016: Rested muzzle on boot (safety off); discharged into toe while raising.
Iowa
• Entries: 72
• Preventable: 8%
• Incidents:
• 2016: Slipped exiting vehicle; discharged into hand (lost fingers).
• 2016: Handed gun at tailgate; slipped, caught and pulled trigger, into toe.
• 2016: Gun under blanket; accidental trigger pull into foot.
• 2016: Shotguns in truck bed; discharged during turn.
• 2016: Shot while entering/exiting vehicle; leg amputated.
• 2016: Dog stepped on trigger guard in boat; discharged.
Note: Only ~20% summaries available; accurate preventability difficult
without further research.
Kansas
• Entries:Zero
• Preventable: N/A
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Kentucky
• Entries: 17
• Preventable: 35%
• Incidents:
• 2020: Shotgun discharged retrieving from backseat; unknown which gun.
• 2020: Accidental self-shot while walking (fatality).
• 2020: Another accidental self-shot while walking (fatality).
• 2023: Caught on brush in blind; discharged into ankle.
• 2017: Shotgun discharged while cleaning birds; ricocheted into chest.
• 2016: Unclear discharge into head (fatal).
Louisiana
• Entries: 26
• Preventable: 15%
• Incidents:
• 2019: Loaded shotgun while passenger slept; accidental trigger pull into leg.
• 2000: Rested barrel on foot; discharged while raising.
• 2016: Dog disengaged safety and pulled trigger in boat; into victim.
• 2019: Possibly leaned on gun; discharged into armpit.
Maine
• Entries: 29
• Preventable: 31%
• Incidents:
• 2025: Bumped stock in UTV (safety off); discharged into companion's knee.
• 2017: Shot foot while loading beside truck.
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• 2020: Unloaded in vehicle; discharged into toe.
• 2020: Ricocheted pellet into leg while packing gear.
• 2020: Rested on foot; discharged (finger in guard).
• 2016: Snagged in brush while slinging; into hand.
• 2018: Slipped and fell; discharged into partner.
• 2020: Slipped crossing brook; into arm/cheek.
• 2019: Shot leg bird hunting.
Maryland
• Entries: 18
• Preventable: 16%
• Incidents:
• 2021: Shouldering in layout blind; discharged into foot.
• 2018: Shot foot in kayak retrieving ducks.
• 2011: Laid on stand after descending; discharged into leg (trigger on branch).
Michigan
• Entries: 24
• Preventable: 37%
• Incidents:
• 2023: Placed firearm on ground; dog jumped gun, discharged into
shoulder/cheek.
• 2019: Rested shotgun under waist; dog possibly discharged into subject
(fatal).
• 2023: Discharged into foot while engaging safety.
• 2023: Adjusted grip; discharged into foot.
• 2022: Fell walking; discharged into foot.
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• 2016: Slipped on ice (finger in guard); discharged into finger.
• 2016: Slipped climbing stand; discharged into neck.
• 2024: Self-shot in leg goose hunting (fatal).
Minnesota
• Entries: 63
• Preventable: 41%
• Incidents:
• 2024: Dog stepped on trigger (hand over barrel, safety off).
• 2017: Dropped shotgun; pulled trigger picking up, into hand.
• 2024: Pulled trigger to "prove" safety on; through hand.
• 2019: Chaos in boat; trigger bumped and fired, into shoulder.
• 2018: Fell in canoe; ricocheted into hand/leg.
• 2023: Returning to ATV case (safety off); into foot.
• 2020: Un-slinging; into buttocks/leg.
• 2020: Dog knocked over in blind; into bicep.
• 2024: Tripped in brush (finger on trigger); into calves.
• 2024: Grabbed from under seat barrel-first; into hand/arm.
• 2023: Accidental discharge into father's knee (youth hunt).
• 2018: Walking to shed; discharged into camper (safety off).
• 2020: Set down (safety off); discharged into wrist/elbow.
• 2017: Bumped and discharged in case.
• 2021: Handling (safety off); into shoulder.
• 2017: Barrel caught blind; into foot.
• 2019: Barrel caught blind; into foot.
• 2020: Lowering from haul line; into knee.
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• 2019: Grabbed in blind; into toe.
• 2023: Turned in boat; into hand.
• 2021: Handling (safety off); into foot.
• 2023: Fell walking; into quadricep.
• 2021: Unloading pointed at victim; into arm.
• 2022: Adjusted in blind; into leg.
• 2019: Dog stepped on in boat; into adjacent hunter.
• 2017: Moved to aim (finger on trigger); into foot.
Mississippi
• Entries: 18
• Preventable: 0%
Missouri
• Entries: 42
• Preventable: 21%
• Incidents:
• 2019: Set butt on ground (holding phone); child hit trigger, into fingers.
• 2022: Moved shotgun between legs; discharged into foot.
• 2017: Bent to pick rabbit; discharged.
• 2021: Lowered without safety; finger in guard, into foot.
• 2020: Muzzle hit blind; jerked trigger, into foot.
• 2023: Moved in layout blind; discharged.
• 2019: Bent over; "shot hand off."
• 2018: Placed muzzle on boot; turned, pulled trigger, into toe.
• 2022: Crossing fence; discharged into chest.
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Montana
• Entries: 3
• Preventable: 33%
• Incidents:
• 2019: Snowmobile stuck; shotgun discharged into leg.
Nebraska
• Entries: 10
• Preventable: 20%
• Incidents:
• 2020: Shot in groin while unloading.
• 2024: Loading with muzzle on foot; discharged into foot.
Nevada
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A
New Hampshire
• Entries: 8
• Preventable: 12%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Dog stepped on trigger guard; discharged into leg.
New Jersey
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A
New Mexico
• Entries: 2
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• Preventable: 0%
New York
• Entries: 30
• Preventable: 33%
• Incidents:
• 2019: Dog jumped, hit trigger; into arm/back.
• 2023: Dragging deer; unintentional discharge into chest.
• 2018: Rested muzzle on boot; discharged.
• 2024: Self-inflicted fatal wound small game hunting.
• 2019: Grabbed shotgun; into feet.
• 2016: Unslung shotgun; discharged into abdomen (fatal).
• 2016: Discharged while loading magazine; into foot.
• 2020: Pulled onto stand with string; discharged into leg.
• 2017: Leaned against tree; fell, discharged into calf.
North Carolina
• Entries: 25
• Preventable: 24%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Placed in truck bed; discharged.
• 2017: Sitting with safety off, finger on trigger; discharged.
• 2016: Maneuvered downward; discharged into foot.
• 2020: Tripped over vines; discharged into victim ahead.
• 2016: Brought across foot; discharged.
• 2018: Rested on foot walking home; discharged.
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North Dakota
• Entries: 5
• Preventable: 60%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Tapped gun case in boat; discharged into leg.
• 2016: Pulled from back seat; into hand.
• 2016: Jumped out to shoot; into foot.
Ohio
• Entries: 51
• Preventable: 27%
• Incidents:
• 2023: Transferring in canoe; discharged into rear.
• 2025: Lost in brush; heard shot.
• 2018: Lifted shotgun; discharged near face.
• 2019: Placed on branch (safety off); boot bumped muzzle, into boot.
• 2018: Carrying loaded; discharged.
• 2017: Tripped and fell; into head.
• 2016: Stood up; sling pulled trigger, into foot.
• 2020: Squeezed trigger manipulating brush; into finger.
• 2017: Slipped after safety off; finger in guard.
• 2016: Bent to retrieve rabbit; into face.
• 2017: Discharge into foot (slug).
• 2016: Moved while lying; discharged.
• 2023: Rested muzzle on foot; discharged.
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• 2016: Trigger on branch in tree; discharged (slugs).
Oklahoma
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A
Oregon
• Entries: 1
• Preventable: 100%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Set down in blackberries; discharged into chest upon retrieval.
Pennsylvania
• Entries: 108
• Preventable: N/A (Almost no summary reports.)
• Incidents:
• 2020: Bent to retrieve grounded shotgun; discharged while standing.
Rhode Island
• Entries: 1
• Preventable: 0%
South Carolina
• Entries: 110
• Preventable: N/A (No summaries.)
South Dakota
• Entries: 97
• Preventable: N/A (Summaries are opinions; no causal details
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Tennessee
• Entries: 17
• Preventable: N/A (No summaries.)
Texas
• Entries: 83
• Preventable: 18%
• Incidents:
• 2017: Loading into ATV; discharged into hand.
• 2018: Raising; discharged into foot.
• 2022: Discharged while loading; into victim.
• 2022: Safety off; contacted trigger, into foot (removed toe).
• 2024: Rested muzzle on foot; discharged.
• 2023: Went off entering blind; into hand.
• 2024: Leaned against tree; into leg.
• 2016: Discharged climbing fence; into stomach.
• 2017: Rested muzzle on foot; into toe.
• 2025: Rested muzzle on toe; discharged (removed toe).
• 2024: Discharged shooting skeet; into toe.
• 2023: Dog stepped in boat; into calf/hip/wrist.
• 2017: Fell over in blind; into chest.
• 2022: Discharged in vehicle; into arm/shoulder/ear.
• 2017: Adjusted position; into foot.
Utah
• Entries: 0
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• Preventable: N/A
Vermont
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A
Virginia
• Entries: 86
• Preventable: 16%
• Incidents:
• 2016: Stepped over tree (safety off); into toe.
• 2024: Muzzle on boot (safety off); into foot.
• 2020: Rested muzzle on foot; discharged.
• 2025: Posing with deer; into leg (second victim).
• 2019: Grabbed action; discharged.
• 2023: Point-blank to leg positioning.
• 2017: Dog stepped; into arm.
• 2020: Raising; discharged.
• 2025: Transferred; into knee (shaking hands).
• 2019: Removing from shoulder; into neck (fatal).
• 2023: Self-shot in foot rabbit hunting.
• 2020: Hand over barrel standing; into thumb/finger.
• 2023: Shot calf from haul line.
• 2017: Slipped off knoll; into foot.
Washington
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A
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West Virginia
• Entries: 14
• Preventable: 14%
• Incidents:
• 2018: Slipped (safety off); squeezed trigger, into foot (lost toe).
• 2019: Bumped transferring; discharged in sock.
Wisconsin
• Entries: 60
• Preventable: 21%
• Incidents:
• 2016: Moving in stand; into foot.
• 2016: Slipped from stand; into knee/foot.
• 2019: Loaded in kayak under equipment; into chest.
• 2016: Taking down blind; discharged.
• 2016: Unloaded thinking empty; into partner.
• 2017: Passed gun; with gloves.
• 2022: Exited boat; into arm/leg (dog).
• 2020: Tripped exiting blind; into chest.
• 2021: Hanging gun; into leg.
• 2019: Leaned against grass; fell discharged.
• 2018: Attached fan to barrel; into foot.
• 2018: Crossed log; into chest (fatal).
• 2021: Plugged barrel; into hand clearing.
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Wyoming
• Entries: 0
• Preventable: N/A
Conclusion and Recommendations
• Overall Preventability: Where assessed, ~20–40% of incidents involve preventable
triggers (e.g., catches, drops, unsafe storage). States like Minnesota (41%) and
Alaska (85%) show high potential.
• Gaps: Some states lack summaries; suggest deeper review.
• Action Items: Promote education, checks, and devices. Focus on high-entry states.
• Next Steps: Visualize with charts or expand with updates.