Vol. 40, No. 306

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement reports weekend hunting accidents

DOVER (Sept. 7, 2010) – DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents are investigating two hunting accidents that took place over Labor Day weekend, both on Sept. 4.

The first was related to dove season, which opened Sept. 1, and involved a husband and wife who were accidentally shot by another member of their hunting party. The group was dove hunting on private property east of Dover when one of the hunters put his gun on the ground to fix a decoy. Apparently the safety was left off and when the gun was picked up, it fired, striking the victims about 35 yards away.

The 27-year-old woman was struck by 18 pellets in her hand, chest, leg and lower lip. The 28-year-old man was struck by nine pellets with four penetrating his scalp and neck. Both were treated and released at Bayhealth – Kent General Hospital in Dover. Agents are continuing their investigation.

The second accident was related to archery deer season, which also opened Sept. 1, and took place on private property near Woodside. A 44-year-old man was climbing into a wooden tree stand when the top step of the stand’s ladder broke. He fell approximately 15 feet to the ground and required surgery to repair his broken left arm. 

For further information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, at 302-739-9913.