Woolstock, Ia. — Police say a man accidentally shot and killed his hunting partner in Wright County today, then committed suicide shortly after leading police to the body.
Officers were notified this morning that a man had accidentally shot his partner in a public hunting area north of Woolstock. The hunter took authorities to a heavily wooded area where the first shooting had occurred. While officers were searching for that victim, the second hunter died of an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound.
Officers were close by when the second shooting occurred. Authorities said that no shots were fired by officers.
Police say there are no indications of foul play at this time. Both men have been identified, but their names are being withheld until their families have been notified.
Wright County Sheriff Paul Schultz said the men were hunting squirrels.
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Nathanael_Greene
September 19, 2008, 11:53 AM
How tragic. Condolences to both families.
Rmac58
September 19, 2008, 08:16 PM
^^, twice.
elrod
September 19, 2008, 08:24 PM
A too-graphic reason to practice the four rules..........the families are in my prayers.
9x19sig
September 19, 2008, 10:03 PM
Wow, that guy must of been completely out of it after accidentally killing his buddy. It might of been his long time friend and he didn't know how else to deal with it.
MCgunner
September 19, 2008, 11:14 PM
I can't link the article, but it's on http://www.portlavacawave.com . Says a guy from Houston who was on a lease down here (not far from my property, actually) "shot himself accidentally while unloading his rifle". Now, first off, if he was dove hunting, it was likely a shotgun, eh? Anyway, just how do you shoot yourself while unloading a rifle or a shotgun? I can't visualize that one. I smell a rat. Where's Angela Lansbury when you need her?
This one is really tragic. My condolences to the survivors. Sad, very sad. Never stop thinking gun safety. I had to chide my buddy the other day for sweeping me with his barrel. He's kind of inattentive. I much prefer it when he's "over there somewhere". LOL Neat thing about a double, any time I'm not actually hunting, the action is visibly open.
Rembrandt
September 20, 2008, 09:20 PM
* Update on this story.....rumors are the hunters were illegals who work in the area. The guy who committed suicide spoke very little English and may have been frightened at what the LEO's had in store for him. As illegals, possible they did not have hunting licenses and questions about how they got firearms would have been asked.
JoeDanger
September 21, 2008, 10:23 PM
Well, I know that there are many valid reasons for people to view English as the only option, but this is one of those instances where a little bit of conversational spanish, or just the ability to call someone in to translate might have eased the tension a bit. There's certainly no blame to assign, but having the ability to clearly express thoughts is key in a horrifying situation like that. What a shame.
BIGR
September 21, 2008, 10:31 PM
Such a bad deal, Illegals or not.
Maelstrom
September 21, 2008, 10:31 PM
but this is one of those instances where a little bit of conversational spanish, or just the ability to call someone in to translate might have eased the tension a bit.
I'll do ya one better. It shouldn't have been necessary.
Loomis
September 21, 2008, 10:37 PM
I really doubt the guy offed himself because he was scared of the cops. Gimme a freaking break. If he was that scared of cops, he never would have brought the cops out there to find the body in the first place. No, this was pure grief and fear of facing the deceased's loved ones.
I have no pity for anyone that takes his own life though. He's in the bad place now...there's no hope for him.
MCgunner
September 22, 2008, 11:22 AM
Well, illegal or not, it's still a sad deal. But, it's easier to see how they didn't know much about gun safety. No NRA to teach them in Mexico, not much in the way of gun ownership in Mexico, assuming they were Mexican. Of course, there are plenty of American morons in the woods. That's why, day glow orange or not, I stay out of the public woods during deer season for the most part.
ojibweindian
September 22, 2008, 12:16 PM
...
I have no pity for anyone that takes his own life though. He's in the bad place now...there's no hope for him.
Completely insensitive and warrantless. What good purpose is served in posting this?
CSA 357
September 29, 2008, 09:23 PM
You Cant Call That Bullet Back! So Very Sad
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