Tragedy struck Texas as a young woman lost her life in what appears to be a hunting accident near Padre Island.
Hunting is a cherished tradition during the holidays in Texas, with over 1.2 million hunting licenses issued this season. Safety measures, such as wearing bright orange apparel, are essential, but incidents still occur.
“Every year in Texas, we see around 10 to 15 hunting accidents,” says Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Since the 2024 dove hunting season began in September, 12 individuals have been injured in accidents. Now, just two weeks into deer hunting season, social media posts reveal that 23-year-old registered nurse Hailey Jasso was tragically shot and killed on a hunting trip in Kenedy County. Texas Parks and Wildlife has confirmed Game Wardens responded, and the Texas Rangers are now investigating the incident.
In another accident, singer Sundance Head is reportedly recovering after being shot in the stomach during a hunting trip in East Texas, according to the Associated Press.
Safety Measures Are Making a Difference
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Despite accidents, hunter education courses have significantly improved safety.
“Since the 1960s, hunting accidents have dropped from about 120 to 130 incidents annually, including 20 to 30 fatalities, to just 10 to 15 incidents per year with one fatality,” explains Hall.
The mandatory Hunter Education course, required for all hunters born after September 2, 1971, emphasizes critical safety practices, such as always knowing your target and surroundings.
“One of the top causes of hunting accidents is hunters not realizing their friends are in the line of fire. They swing their gun and unintentionally shoot,” says Hall.
A Personal Lesson in Safety
Hall’s career in hunting safety stems from a childhood incident. At six years old, he received a BB gun for Christmas, which led to an injury when his brother accidentally caused the gun to fire while Hall was trying to clear the barrel.
“I tell people all the time I’m like Ralphie from A Christmas Story. They told him not to shoot his eye out, and that’s exactly what happened to me—though with a different twist,” Hall recalls.
The accident resulted in a trip to the hospital, where a BB was removed from the back of his tongue. Hall, raised in a Catholic household, jokes that his penance is dedicating his life to teaching firearm and hunting safety.
Staying Safe This Hunting Season
Hall emphasizes that hunting can be safe if proper precautions are followed.
“Deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl are the most common game during the holidays. Many families hunt over Thanksgiving,” he notes, urging hunters to keep guns unloaded when not in use.
Additionally, Hall highlights the risks of falls from tree stands, another significant cause of hunting-related deaths.
The Hunter Education certificate, which never expires, is recognized nationwide and even in many other countries. With safety as a priority, Texas hopes to reduce hunting accidents further this season.
