MS: Man Accidentally Shoots Partner During Hunting Trip

Man Accidentally Shoots Partner During Hunting Trip

Victim Taken To UMC

February 2, 2011

JACKSON, Miss. -- Wildlife and park officials are investigating a shooting that injured a man during a hunting trip in Flora Tuesday morning. Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks officials said a man was accidentally shot by his hunting partner while hunting for quail at Kearney Park Farm on Ergon Road. Officials said the men came across some quail and as one man fired at the birds, some of his bullets hit the other hunter in the face and chest.

“Sometimes it can be, as we call it, a hunting fever. They are so anxious to get that first kill and they're not thinking,” said Capt. Jerry Carter, of the MDWFP. The investigation is ongoing, but Carter noted that the main reason hunters get injured is accidental shootings. “We have a state law here in Mississippi that requires all hunters to wear 500 square inches of florescent orange,” Carter said.

The MDWFP official, however, said not all hunters abide by that rule and end up wearing clothing that resembles deer and other game. Since the beginning of the season, the state department has reported 28 hunting accidents, with four fatal incidents, Carter said. Justin Hindrick said he's been hunting for years and believes it's important to always put safety first while in the woods. “(You have to) know what's going on. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what your doing,” Hindrick said. “Everybody wants to take their orange (clothing) off to be more concealed, but it's not about the concealment, it's about your life.”

Hunter Joey Melton said it's important for hunters to make sure they know what they're shooting before they fire their gun. “That's where accidents come from. Somebody sees something move, (so) they whip the gun around and they start shooting. That's the worst thing you can do,” said Melton. Carter said the injured hunter was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

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