Oklahoma Game Wardens are reminding hunters to be extra cautious while they're out in the field after one man accidentally shot a spectator while aiming at a turkey.
According to Saturday's announcement, the incident occurred on private property in Woods County, Oklahoma, on the morning of April 16. Officials say two friends from Indiana were permitted to hunt on the land and the landowners guided them to a baited feeder. Then, the owners sat back in the woods to watch the two men hunt.
Then, one of the hunters took aim at the first of three Jake turkeys walking toward the feeder and pulled the trigger. It appears that he killed the turkey but that's an unconfirmed detail. Some of the shot from his shotshell, however, did strike one of the owners.
The turkey that was killed during the hunting accident. Credit: Oklahoma Game Wardens
Following the shooting, investigators found that the shooter was less than 50 yards away from the victim. "Everyone involved is extremely lucky that the victim was not seriously injured, killed, or maimed," officials said in a statement.
Although officials opted not to charge the hunter for the accidental shooting, they did cite all the parties involved for illegal possession of turkeys and hunting turkeys within 100 yards of bait.
Following the incident, officials are advising hunters to be "super cautious while hunting in the field," especially during spring turkey season because most hunters are covered head to toe in camo while making turkey sounds.
"Chances of being mistaken for game or being in the line of fire are much more probable," officials said. "Be safe out there and always identify your target and what lies beyond!
Spring turkey season in Oklahoma started April 16 and runs until May 16.
