Disabled hunter, 62, shoots Wisconsin woman in the stomach after mistaking her dog for ‘antlerless deer’- as officials urge walkers to wear bright colors during hunting season
- A 62-year-old hunter shot a 47-year-old woman in the stomach as she walked her dog on private property in the community of Big Flats Township
- She was rushed to a nearby hospital by MediFlight: her condition is unclear
- The incident occurred early Sunday during the second day of the gun deer season that started on November 18 and runs until November 26.
A 62-year-old disabled hunter shot a woman while walking her dog in Wisconsin after mistaking her pup for an “antlerless deer.”
The hunter fired his rifle from his vehicle, hitting the 47-year-old woman in the stomach early Sunday during the second day of deer season.
At the time, she was walking on private property in the community of Big Flats Township, located in Adams County in central Wisconsin, according to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) official.
The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital by MediFlight. It’s unclear what her condition is, but officials said Wednesday she was still being treated. The dog was not injured.
It remains unclear whether the hunter will face charges. An investigation is underway.
Lt. Mike Weber (pictured), hunter education administrator for the Department of Natural Resources, spoke about gun safety and reminded hunters and non-hunters of the importance of wearing high-visibility colors – bright orange and fluorescent pink – while in the woods
The man reportedly said he thought the dog was an antlerless deer, so he felt confident shooting it. NBC15 News reported.
Lt. Mike Weber, manager of hunter education for DNR, told the news station that Wisconsin allows people with disabilities to hunt from their vehicles.
Weber also took the opportunity to speak about gun safety and reminded hunters and non-hunters of the importance of wearing high-visibility colors — bright orange and fluorescent pink — when in the woods.
He also emphasized that pets should be protected with proper collars and vests during deer hunting season.
“It is obviously a good idea for non-hunters to consider wearing bright orange or high-visibility colors during any deer firearms season,” he said.
He added: “And those same people should also put high-visibility colored vests or collars on their pets.
Wisconsin’s opening day for gun deer season began Nov. 18 and runs through Nov. 26.
In another incident, a man in northeastern Wisconsin shot himself in the foot while adjusting his gun belt. He was also taken to hospital WKOW News reported.
Weber said, “One of the most important things we always emphasize is to follow the four cardinal rules of firearms, whether you have been hunting for thirty years or are just starting out for the first time.” Spectrum1 News reported.
The four firearm safety rules include: “TABK, which stands for “Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.” ‘Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. ‘Be sure of your goal and what lies beyond it.’ “Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.”
In addition to firearms, clothing and other hunting equipment must also be inspected and that equipment must be in good condition.
DailyMail.com has contacted DNR for further comment.