The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says the 2013 deer hunting season was a safe one.  Hunter Safety Training Coordinator Charles Bruckerhoff says there were no hunter related injuries due to the discharge of a firearm or bow.  He attributes the safety record to a strong training program. 

In the Greater Danbury area, through December 12th, the state reported that 55 deer were killed by shotgun or rifle in New Milford, 67 in Newtown, 40 in Redding and 33 in Ridgefield.

Greater Danbury area towns led the state in the number of deer killed in archery hunts last year.  There were 197 in Newtown, 84 in Redding, 142 in Ridgefield, 55 in Weston and 121 in Wilton.   In New Milford 78 deer were killed in bow hunting, 61 in Danbury and 54 in Bethel.

Bruckerhoff says this level of safety is remarkable in light of more than 300,000 deer hunting permits issued.  He adds that while hunters do a good job of policing themselves, the state requires safety education programs.