Five Hunters Shot, Two Killed During Pennsylvania Rifle Deer Season
By Brian Whipkey
The Pennsylvania Game Commission investigated at least five hunting-related shooting incidents during the state’s two-week rifle deer season, resulting in two fatalities and three nonfatal injuries, according to preliminary reports released by the agency.
The incidents occurred between Nov. 29 and Dec. 7 in five counties across the Commonwealth, underscoring persistent safety concerns during one of Pennsylvania’s most popular outdoor traditions. Officials said all cases remain under investigation.
The first incident occurred Nov. 29 in Cambridge Township, Crawford County. A 25-year-old man from Cambridge Springs fired at a deer that suddenly jumped up in front of him during a deer drive. The shot struck a 24-year-old man from the same hunting party who was in the line of fire. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and survived.
A more serious incident unfolded Dec. 2 in Milford Township, Juniata County. Authorities said a 20-year-old man from McAlisterville shot at a deer that ran back through a line of drivers during a deer drive. A 26-year-old man, also part of the same hunting group, was struck in the right hip. He later died from his injuries.
Later that same day, a fatal self-inflicted shooting was reported in Athens Township, Crawford County. A 16-year-old hunter from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, was hunting alone in a box blind when he sustained a gunshot wound. The injury proved fatal, officials said.
On Dec. 6, a nonfatal self-inflicted shooting occurred in Oakland Township, Venango County. An 18-year-old man from Cooperstown was seated with his rifle pointed toward his foot when the firearm discharged. He suffered a gunshot wound to the foot.
The final incident was reported Dec. 7 in Girard Township, Erie County. An 18-year-old man from Erie suffered a gunshot wound to the foot after his rifle sling broke loose. As he attempted to catch the falling firearm, his hand accidentally contacted the trigger, causing the rifle to discharge. The injury was not fatal.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission routinely emphasizes firearm safety, particularly during deer drives and when handling firearms in blinds or while seated. Officials encourage hunters to positively identify targets, maintain safe muzzle control, and ensure firearms are unloaded when not actively hunting.
Rifle deer season remains one of the busiest times of year for hunters statewide, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants into the woods each fall.
