Firearm Safety Resources & Data

Firearm Injuries in South Dakota

• Firearm injuries have been a growing concern for South Dakota communities over the past decade.1,122 South Dakotans died from a firearm-related injury between 2014 and 2023.
• Firearm deaths increased 24% from 90 deaths in 2014 to 112 deaths in 2023.
• Between 2019 and 2023, there were 705 nonfatal firearm injury hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
• In 2023 alone, there were 168 nonfatal firearm injuries in South Dakota.
• 70% of firearm injuries that occurred in 2023 were unintentional.

This data shows the importance of promoting gun safety practices and strengthening suicide prevention initiatives across the state.

SD Firearm Injuries Data Summary    SD Firearm Injuries Data Report

Safe Storage Saves Lives

In South Dakota between 2015 and 2024, 50% of suicide deaths were firearm-related. Safely storing firearms can save lives. Creating barriers to immediate access during a crisis gives individuals the critical time needed to seek help.

What can you do?

• Securely store firearms when not in use. Securing firearms in a safe or lock box or using gun locks can help prevent unauthorized access and use of firearms, including by children and those at risk for harming themselves or others.
• Unload ammunition and lock it separately from available firearms.
• Use a gunlock to prevent a firearm from being fired. Gunlocks can be ordered for free on the SD Suicide Prevention Webpage.
• If someone in your household is struggling, consider temporarily giving available firearms to a trusted friend or family member outside of the home.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health-related distress or suicide risk, call, text, or chat 988.

Safe Gun Handling and Hunting Practices

Most firearm injuries in South Dakota are unintentional. Practicing responsible gun ownership and safe hunting not only protects you but also your family, friends, and community. Whether at home, the shooting range, or in the field, following safety guidelines prevents accidents.

Essential Gun Safety Rules

• Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a gun is unloaded; always check and double-check before handling.
• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. Never point a firearm at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Rest your finger outside the trigger guard until you are on target and ready to fire.
• Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Bullets can travel long distances; always know what’s behind your target.
• Store firearms and ammunition securely. Use gun safes, lock boxes, or trigger locks, and keep ammunition stored separately.

Safe Hunting Practices

• Take a hunter safety course. Completing a certified course increases your knowledge of safe firearm handling, ethical hunting, and wildlife conservation. For more information about Hunter Safety Courses, visit South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks.
• Wear blaze orange or other high-visibility clothing. This makes you easily visible to other hunters.
• Identify your target before shooting. Never shoot at movement, sound, or shapes you cannot clearly identify.
• Keep firearms unloaded until ready to hunt. Load only when you are in the field and prepared to shoot, and unload when crossing fences, climbing trees, or entering vehicles.
• Communicate with hunting partners, establish clear signals, and maintain awareness of each other’s location at all times.