One person was airlifted to the hospital Thursday evening after an apparent accidental shooting while turkey hunting near Fish Hatchery Road.
According to the report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, a man and his son-in-law were hunting near Deer River Run Campground. The man said he was calling for the turkeys, as some were getting ready to roost but lost sight of them. He stated he saw his son-in-law’s camouflage feather piece on his shirt and mistook the piece of clothing for a red beard, as he is reportedly colorblind. The man found out he shot his son-in-law after he heard him yell.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, he was shot in the upper body from a distance of about 40 yards away with a 12 gauge shotgun and a 3.5 load. The report states the man ran to the victim’s aid, called 911, and got him into his vehicle. He then drove to a nearby parking lot.
Highlands Air Rescue was called and the victim was airlifted to the hospital with what was believed to be serious injuries at the time. Deputies were able to speak with him and asked if he believed the shooting was an accident. The victim did state he absolutely did believe it was an accident.
Updated at 6:50 AM on April 19th, 2024
One person was flown from the scene of an apparent accidental shooting in Greene County Thursday evening.
Highlands Air Rescue was called to transport a male who was shot in what is believed to be a hunting accident at this time. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, two men were hunting when one mistook the other for a turkey and shot him in the upper body.
The incident happened near the McDonald Road/Fish Hatchery Road. The man was airlifted to the hospital with what was believed to be serious injuries at the time.
EMS, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, and TWRA responded to the scene around 8:30 PM. More details as the investigation continues.
