I grew up in Wisconsin in the '60's - hunters safety was finally becoming a thing in the 70's as these fatality numbers were common there too. Blaze orange and a Hunter's Safety Class and Certificate was required of young hunters sometime in the mid to late 70's for kids/hunters under 16 y/o if I recall correctly.
There were too many folks that would shoot at sound and/or movement, with no attempt to identify their prey. Subistence hunting still existed back then, and the war years were mighty lean according to my parents and grandparents who lived in Michigan's Upper Penninsula - by the Iron mines.
My mother wouldn't let any of her 7 children go to deer camp unless they passed a Hunters Safety Course and were 14+ years old, and had bright colored hunting clothes. And still we got shot at!!
We would listen to the news on the radio and read the reports as the accident and death toll rose each season. Scarrrrry times.
My poor Dad
There were too many folks that would shoot at sound and/or movement, with no attempt to identify their prey. Subistence hunting still existed back then, and the war years were mighty lean according to my parents and grandparents who lived in Michigan's Upper Penninsula - by the Iron mines.
My mother wouldn't let any of her 7 children go to deer camp unless they passed a Hunters Safety Course and were 14+ years old, and had bright colored hunting clothes. And still we got shot at!!
We would listen to the news on the radio and read the reports as the accident and death toll rose each season. Scarrrrry times.
My poor Dad
) We got hit by prob #7's at 50-60 yds. My truck and CO's truck got hit! Holy #£€^$&@ 
. CO asked if we were injured, no, then he ran into the field yelling cease fire command. Brought all over to parking lot and dressed them down royally. Shooter got ticket and almost lost his shotgun when responded once with snarky comment. CO took his shotgun and put it in his truck. CO gave it back with ticket with another dressing down.
