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Safety Concerns Rise After Hunting Accident in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has emphasized the critical importance of hunting safety following a recent incident in which a hunter was accidentally shot. This situation arose when one hunter mistakenly identified another as a deer.
On December 23, law enforcement officials responded to a shooting incident involving two hunters in Zachary, located in East Baton Rouge Parish. According to details shared by the department on social media, both individuals were unwittingly pursuing deer on a small, privately owned property when the misunderstanding occurred.
Both hunters had obtained permission to be on the land, as reported by local media sources.
Incident Details
According to LDWF, the shooter used a 20-gauge shotgun, and the victim was struck with buckshot. Upon realizing the grave mistake he had made, the shooter promptly dialed 911 for assistance. The injured hunter was subsequently airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge with injuries that were fortunately non-fatal, though the specifics of his injuries were not disclosed.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered that neither of the hunters was wearing the legally mandated safety orange attire or carrying deer tags. As a result, the shooter received citations for these violations. LDWF indicated that further charges might be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Importance of Safety Protocols
In light of this incident, LDWF has reiterated the necessity for hunters to adhere to safety protocols. The agency strongly advises all hunters to wear visible orange or pink clothing while hunting deer during gun season, a requirement mandated by state law. They stressed the importance of accurately identifying targets and being aware of one’s surroundings before discharging a firearm.
“Let’s work together to prevent incidents like this and ensure everyone enjoys the outdoors safely,” the department stated, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in promoting hunting safety.
Source
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