11/17/2010
Man Shoots Self in Hunting Mishap
BAKER COUNTY, Fla. — A 39-year-old hunter is recovering at Shands
Jacksonville after shooting himself in the foot while deer hunting in the
Osceola National Forest.
Baldwin resident Anthony McDaniel was stalk-hunting deer by himself Tuesday
afternoon when he tripped and fell.
As a result, his .30-06 rifle discharged, and the bullet struck him in the
right ankle.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC),
McDaniel “crawled and dragged himself” approximately 1/2 mile to his vehicle
where he was able to call 911 around 5 p.m. Tuesday.
An air ambulance was dispatched to transport McDaniel to Shands
Jacksonville. McDaniel is currently still hospitalized with a serious ankle
and foot injury.
FWC Officer Jeff Summers encourages all hunters to follow safety precautions
during hunting season. “Whether hunting along or in a group, someone should
carry a cell phone for those unforeseen emergencies,” Summers said. “They
should wear hunter orange to identify themselves to other hunters, and they
should always follow safe gun-handling practices.”
The FWC also encourages all hunters to take their 16-hour hunter safety
course. For information, please call the Lake City office of the FWC at
386-758-0525.