Firearm-related Hunting Accidents in Croatia

Hunting is one of the oldest human activities. While it historically served as a source of food and other resources, in modern society it has evolved into a significant economic activity. Croatia possesses favourable conditions for the development of hunting tourism, owing to its rich natural resources and widespread interest in hunting. However, the extent and manner in which safety measures are implemented to prevent hunting accidents remain insufficiently explored. To address this research gap, a survey was conducted among 338 hunters in Croatia. The results indicate a relatively high level of awareness among hunters regarding potential accidents, and that safety measures are mostly practiced. Additionally, the study examined differences in attitudes toward hunting safety between less experienced and more experienced hunters. Hunting experience was operationalised using two indicators: the number of hunting trips undertaken by respondents in the past year and the total number of years of hunting activity. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Statistically significant differences were found in six out of 17 survey items, primarily between more frequent and less frequent hunters. To improve hunting safety and prevent future accidents, the majority of the respondents recommended more intensive education and training for hunters.