A study commissioned by the Pennsylvania General Assembly found that modern 12-gauge shotguns using saboted slugs can have a larger danger area than a .30-06 rifle when fired on level terrain—making the shotgun potentially more dangerous in typical hunting conditions.
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Real-World Data Shows Incidents Decrease with Rifle Use Wisconsin legalized rifles statewide in 2013. Since then, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, hunting incidents have dropped to the lowest levels in state history.
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A Wisconsin DNR survey found 76% of hunters used rifles and 24% used shotguns. However, from 1998–2008, 42% of incidents involved shotguns—indicating a disproportionate safety risk.
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