Oklahoma Man Shot By Out-of-Towner – Basic Safety Forgotten

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, an Oklahoma man was transported to the hospital after  being shot by mistake by a visiting hunter from Indiana in Woods County, Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Game Wardens,

"The victim and partner put out the two Indiana residents near a baited feeder at dawn. Afterwards, the Oklahoma residents set back in the trees across the open field to watch the nonresidents’ hunt unfold. Three jake turkeys came in to the feeder and an Indiana hunter shot the first Jake right in line with their hunting party spectators. The victim was transported to the local hospital and treated for several pellet strikes."

 

- Oklahoma Game Wardens

Although charges were not brought against the accidental shooting, the parties were penalized for shooting turkeys within 100 yards of the bait.

Accidents happen, but there are many ways to prevent things like this from happening.

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Set Yourself Apart For People

Depending on the animal being hunted, you'll often see hunters decked out in camouflage from head to toe with a neon orange vest to identify themselves against the background. Unfortunately in this case, the hunters were after turkey; although many believe turkey are colorblind, this is far from the truth.

In fact, turkeys can see three times more clearly than 20/20 vision. But one rule can save you from making the mistake of shooting the wrong thing, even if you can't see it.

Basic Safety: Common Sense

For all gun handlers, safety should be top priority. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), shooters should "always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction." A safe direction should also include looking past the shooters target. "A safe direction means a direction in which a bullet cannot possibly strike anyone, taking into account possible ricochets and the fact that bullets can penetrate walls and ceilings. The safe direction may be “up” on some occasions or “down” on others, but never at anything not intended as a target," recounted by the Firearm Industry Trade Association (NSSF). Even the Oklahoma Game Wardens warned about watching beyond the target when commenting on the incident.

Anyone hunting in Oklahoma should brush up on laws and regulations on the area they're hunting. They should also consider that other people are hunting at the same time and should exercise caution when shooting.