JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — A hunter is dead after another hunter accidentally shot him while aiming for a deer in Juniata County, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The commission said a group of 24 hunters were conducting a “deer drive,” and the victim was part of the team that was driving the deer towards the standers.
The group was approximately 100-200 yards into the drive when a buck jumped up and broke back through the line of drivers, according to the commission.
Two members of the hunting party reportedly shot at the buck, subsequently striking the victim, who was in the direct line of fire. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was shot in the hip and passed away from his injuries.
The accidental shooting reportedly happened around 8:20 Tuesday morning on the mountain near Vincent Tram Road, as snow settled into the region.
Eric Coldren, Deputy President of the Mifflintown Fire Company and Paramedic, said that if the weather conditions weren’t so bad, the young man could have survived. Coldren explained that it was a difficult mission going up the mountain and it took over an hour to get to the victim.
It was so steep, Coldren explained, that he was worries there would be another fatality because his crew was falling and slipping.
Officials have not mentioned if anyone will face charges in connection. It is unknown if the hunter who died was wearing a safety vest.
Game commission officials responded to the scene alongside EMS and fire crews, according to a post from Mifflintown Hose Company #1.
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Pennsylvania’s firearms deer season started on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.