As hunting season begins and autumn settles in, many of us spend more time outdoors—raking leaves, gathering firewood, or simply enjoying the crisp air. In regions like Fremont County, firearms are part of life for many. But so is mental health, especially during times when stress, grief, or loneliness might be heightened. These two realities intersect, and when they do, safe practices and strong awareness become even more critical.
What the Data Tells Us Today
- Wyoming leads the U.S. in gun suicide rates: roughly 19.7 firearm suicides per 100,000 people per year. EveryStat.org
- About 80-plus percent of all firearm deaths in Wyoming are due to suicide.
- Firearms are especially lethal in moments of crisis when impulsivity, hopelessness, or pain overtake; access to a highly lethal method increases the risk of death. Nationally, over 50% of suicides involve firearms.
Why Hunting Season Brings Unique Risks
- Seasonal isolation and the remote nature of many hunting areas can delay help or intervention.
- Firearms may be more prevalent in homes or temporary camps, often without proper storage.
- The colder, darker days and changing schedules can exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, or grief.
- With more people handling firearms and perhaps thinking more about life transitions (post-season, family, work, etc.), there’s a greater chance that firearms become accessible in vulnerable moments.
What You Can Do to Increase Safety
- Safe Storage
Store firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition. Consider gun safes, lock boxes, or cable/trigger locks. The University of Wyoming’s Firearms Research Center offers guidelines on storage and handling. - Talk About Suicide Warning Signs
Look out for signs like talking about being a burden, feeling trapped, increased substance use, withdrawal, mood swings, or changes in sleep. - Have a Plan During Crisis Moments
If you or someone you know is struggling, remove or lock away firearms temporarily. Reach out for help—don’t wait. - Use Local and National Resources
- Wyoming Department of Health: Suicide Prevention (including 24/7 help through 988)
- Firearms Research Center (UW) – offers safe storage maps and resources
- Prevent Firearm Suicide (EFSGV) – state-specific help and tools
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center (Wyoming page) – best practices, training, and community programs
What This Means for Fremont County
We don’t want a moment of crisis to turn into a permanent tragedy. For every gun owner, every family, every hunter, there is responsibility, especially now. Safe practices, open conversations, and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Check your storage: are all firearms out of rooms with vulnerable family members, in locked containers?
- Visit the UW Firearms Research Center’s site to find local firearm safety tools.
- Fremont County Prevention provides free gun locks. Visit the office at 818 S Federal Blvd, Ste 700 in Riverton or call 307-851-1667 for more information.
- If you see warning signs in someone close to you, reach out. Listen. Help them call 988, or connect them with local mental health services.
- Raise awareness in your hunting groups, your church, and your community. Safe firearm handling and suicide prevention are not topics to avoid.
- Attend a “Conversations on Access to Lethal Means” (CALM) Training: Register for AgriSafe Network’s free webinar on November 17.
Healing and safety are community efforts. With vigilance and care, we can ensure that hunting season and the fall months are times of connection, not risk.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 any time, day or night.
Visit fremontcountyprevention.com for local resources and information.
