A tragic occurrence.
The U.S. has issued a warning after a “horrific” hunting death.
An elderly hunter fatally shot a woman that he believed was a deer, according to reports. 74-year-old Walter Moorhead was hunting in a field near South Old State Road in Delaware on Sept. 18, when he accidentally shot 39-year-old Maria Chilel Soto, mistaking her for a deer.https://68266ee6a6043d252077fbc9ed5aa607.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html?n=0
“The 74-year-old man faces five felony counts, including Reckless Endangering First Degree, Manslaughter Recklessly Caused Death of Another Person, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony,” BGL reported.
“Moorhead was released from jail after paying a $43,000 bond, but his case is still under investigation.”https://68266ee6a6043d252077fbc9ed5aa607.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html?n=0
The family of the woman killed does not believe it was an accident. The hunter, meanwhile, maintains that it was.
“Maria’s family is now facing the overwhelming pain of this sudden loss while also trying to make sure she is laid to rest with dignity,” Belman Robles, the nephew of Maria Chilel Soto, wrote in the GoFundMe. “If possible, support may also help the five children Maria left behind as they face life without their mother.”
U.S. issues hunting ‘warning’
The following safety tips have been issued for all:
- Identify hunting seasons and areas open to hunting.
- Learn about where and when hunting is taking place and plan your recreation activities accordingly.
- Wear bright clothing to make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like bright red or fluorescent orange or green. Avoid wearing earth-toned clothing.
- Don’t forget to protect your dog. Tie a swath of brightly-colored fabric or a bandana around your dog’s neck or purchase a hunter blaze orange dog vest. These are available from many sporting goods outfitters.
- Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence.
- Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise that disturbs wildlife.
- Make yourself known. If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
- Choose an alternative place or time. If you don’t feel comfortable outdoors this time of year, choose an area where hunting is not allowed, like most (but not all) national or state parks (check ahead to be sure). The most heavily hunted seasons last only a few weeks—find out when they occur and schedule your activities around them.
Stay safe, everyone.