Sheriff: Hunter dies after being accidentally shot by younger hunter in Yolo County
DUNNIGAN – Authorities say a hunter has died after a younger hunter accidentally shot them in rural Yolo County.
The Yolo County Sheriff's Office says first responders were called out to an area east of Dunnigan early Wednesday morning after getting a report about a hunting incident.
Deputies started investigating and discovered that a juvenile hunter had unintentionally fired a gun – with an adult hunter getting shot. The adult hunter soon died, the sheriff's office says.
No information about the relationship between the adult and juvenile has been detained by authorities.
Experts say accidents like this are extremely rare but note that hunting requires strict safety protocols.
"When you have people in your blinds with weapons, stuff happens and you have to be very proactive on paying attention to safety and make sure you go home at the end of the day, not only for yourself but your clients' safety as well," said Greg Galli with River Valley Outfitters.
Galli is a waterfowl hunting guide and said the community of hunters is small. He even knows the family involved.
The name of the person who died has not been released yet.
"My heart goes out the family, my heart goes out to the son. I don't even know what to say because it's sad," Galli said. "When I hear this story, I think of my own children and how they would feel."
According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, there is no minimum age requirement for purchasing a hunting license. But applicants must show proof of hunter education.
However, guides like Galli say proficiency in hunting comes down to years of experience. While accidents are rare, he noted that it's a dangerous sport.
"There's just so many things you have to be aware of to go home at the end of the day," Galli said.
The sheriff's office is still investigating the scene and is urging people to avoid the area for the time being.