November 20, 2012
From WISCNews.com
A Columbia County deer hunter was flown to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Sunday after he shot off his right index finger while attempting to climb into a tree stand, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported.
The incident was one of three firearms-related hunting incidents reported in Wisconsin during the first weekend of the gun deer hunting season, which started Saturday and continues through Sunday.
Preliminary information indicates the incident happened at 4:15 p.m. Sunday in a pine grove on private property.
The male hunter, approximately 45 years old, is a Columbia County resident, King said.
According to the preliminary incident report, the hunter was attempting to climb into a tree stand carrying a loaded .30-30 rifle when he slipped and fell about 6.5 feet. As he grabbed onto the rifle’s barrel, it discharged, severing the finger.