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What to know about the three accidental hunting shootings over the past year
BATON ROUGE – Roberto Garcia, 61, of Baton Rouge was accidentally shot to death over the weekend while hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area near Kentwood.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has taken the lead in the investigation, but so far no one has been charged. He was shot by a .45 caliber muzzleloader.
It’s the second accidental hunting shooting this year, and the third if you include last season.
“It’s peak deer time–rut going on. Anybody who knows anything about deer hunting knows that Christmas and New Year’s time, it starts getting cold and deer start running, ” said Lt. Jared Riddle with LDWF.
Almost exactly one year ago, Thomas Franklin accidentally shot and killed Jacob Altazan while they were hunting on property within Baton Rouge city limits.
Baton Rouge police took the lead.
When Franklin was arrested for negligent homicide, he said he mistook Altazan for a deer. He also said no one was wearing their hunter’s orange safety vests when the shooting happened.
However, a friend of Altazan’s provided WBRZ with video which shows him in his hunter’s orange an hour before the shooting.
Whether he was wearing it at the time of the shooting is unclear.
But a hunter who was shot last week in Zachary was definitely not. LDWF, which took the lead, says neither the victim nor the shooter were.
The man survived, but agents cited the shooter for hunting deer without possessing deer tags and not wearing hunter’s orange.
LDWF says that’s why it’s a requirement.
“Sometimes there’s a question that’s asked, why do I need this hunter’s orange even if I’m on public property or private property? I think this is a very good example of clearly why we should wear it.”
LDWF has not responded to questions about whether Garcia was wearing an orange vest.
Franklin’s negligent homicide trial is scheduled to begin in August.
In the past year, there have been three tragic accidental hunting shootings that have left families devastated and communities reeling. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of following proper safety protocols while out in the field. Here are some key things to know about these incidents:
1. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded: In all three of these incidents, the hunters involved failed to properly check their firearms before handling them. It is crucial to always assume that a firearm is loaded and to handle it with the utmost care and attention.
2. Know your target and what is beyond it: In two of the three incidents, the hunters mistakenly shot at movement in the brush without properly identifying their target. It is essential to always positively identify your target before taking a shot, as shooting at movement or sounds alone can lead to tragic consequences.
3. Communication is key: In one of the incidents, miscommunication between hunting partners led to a fatal shooting. It is important to establish clear communication with your hunting companions and to always know each other’s locations in the field.
4. Seek proper training and education: Accidents can happen even to experienced hunters, but seeking out proper training and education can help minimize the risk. Take a hunter safety course, familiarize yourself with local hunting regulations, and always practice safe firearm handling.
These accidental hunting shootings serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of following proper safety protocols while out in the field. By treating every firearm as if it is loaded, positively identifying your target, maintaining clear communication with hunting partners, and seeking proper training and education, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure a safe hunting experience for all.
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hunting accidents, accidental shootings, hunting safety, firearm safety, hunting incidents, gun safety, hunting accidents 2021, hunting accidents statistics, hunting accidents prevention, hunting safety tips
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