Louisiana hunter cited for violations after shooting man he mistook for a deer

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reiterating the importance of hunting safety after a man was shot by a hunter who mistook him for a deer.

Law enforcement agents responded to a shooting involving two hunters on property in Zachary, a city in East Baton Rouge Parish, on Dec. 23, the department said on Facebook.

The two hunters were unknowingly hunting deer on the “same small private property” when one hunter mistook the other for a deer and accidentally shot him.

Both men had permission to be on the property, according to local media.

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A Louisiana hunter was cited for two violations after accidentally shooting another hunter, who he mistook for a deer, while they were both on the same “small” property, according to the state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. (iStock)

He was hit with buckshot from a 20-gauge shotgun, the agency said. The shooter immediately called 911 for help once he realized he had shot a man and not a deer.

The wounded hunter was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge with non-fatal injuries. Law enforcement did not state where the man was shot.

The hunter accidentally shot a man with buckshot from a 20-gauge shotgun. (iStock)

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When law enforcement investigated what took place, they discovered neither hunter was wearing orange or had deer tags in their possession. The shooter was cited for both violations.

LDWF said additional charges are possible as the investigation remains active.

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The agency reminded all hunters to prioritize safety by always wearing orange, which is required by law, and positively identifying your target and surroundings before firing your weapon.

It is required by law to wear orange or pink when hunting deer during gun season in Louisiana. (iStock)

“Let’s work together to prevent incidents like this and ensure everyone enjoys the outdoors safely,” LDWF said.