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Utah Hunter Shot After Decoy Turkey Mistaken for Real Bird
Officials said the victim received emergency medical treatment after another hunter fired at decoys, underscoring the need for positive target identification.
- One turkey hunter was shot by another during opening weekend of Utah's limited-entry hunting season, requiring emergency medical treatment according to the Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division.
- The victim was hiding in vegetation behind decoys when another hunter mistook the setup for a live bird and "stalked in and fired," hitting the person concealed behind them.
- Unlike most big game seasons, turkey hunting does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, making visual identification of a target the hunter's number one responsibility in Utah.
- Officials stated, "Opening weekend should be about the thrill of the hunt and the quiet of the woods. Instead, it served as a harrowing reminder of how quickly a mistake can turn a hunt into a tragedy."
- The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources advises hunters to stay visible while moving and verbally announce their location if others approach, urging them to "stay sharp" and always confirm shots.
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Utah DWR: Turkey hunter near decoys shot by other hunter
UTAH, April 30, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division has revealed that one turkey hunter was shot by another during opening weekend of the hunting season. “Opening weekend should be about the thrill of the hunt and the quiet of the woods,” the news release says. “Instead, it served as a harrowing reminder of how quickly a mistake can turn a hunt into a tragedy. “During the opening of the limit…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
C 57%
R 43%
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