Investigators: deer hunter's fatal shot was self-inflicted

Ohio.com ^ | 12/6/05 | Associated Press

[add925]

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A gunshot that killed a 19-year-old deer hunter was self-inflicted, state investigators determined.

Steve Burchard, of Newark, died Saturday in Licking County after he was shot in the head with his rifle. No one else was involved in the shooting, the Division of Wildlife of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said Monday.

Investigators still were trying to determine exactly what happened.

Burchard had been hunting with three others near St. Louisville, about 45 miles northeast of Columbus. He did not meet with the others at the end of the day, and they eventually found his body.

Because no one apparently witnessed the shooting, investigators took extra time in determining whether the shot was self-inflicted, investigator Ken Fitz said.

Burchard was one of two people killed during Ohio's weeklong deer-gun season. Noah Gillogly, 12, was shot to death by his older brother in Vinton County on Nov. 28.

Seven other hunters were injured. Three of those injuries were self-inflicted, the natural resources agency said.

[add925]

2 dead & 7 injured in a week in Ohio seems to be a little on the too numerous side....More education needed?

[EagleUSA]

And if I am not mistaken, Ohio does not allow RIFLES for hunting deer -- only shotguns. --- better get out those bright orange coveralls for hunting there!!!

[add925]

Now thats interesting.....a rifle....in the woods....shotguns only.....hmmmmm.

[chadwimc]

The last stat I saw estimated 400,000 hunters in the woods and fields. That makes hunting a pretty safe sport. Its safer than working at night in downtown Cincinnati. And yes, rifles are legal in Ohio. They must be muzzle loading rifles. My modern in-line muzzle loader is as effective(or dangerous) as a high powered rifle. I just get *ONE* shot at Bambi(well, I killed Bambi with a bow. I'm after Bambi's grandfather now...)

[add925]

The last stat I saw estimated 400,000 hunters in the woods and fields.

Wow, there's a safe stat for you.....er, ah, maybe they should stagger the troops to avoid problems.

[Malsua]

And if I am not mistaken, Ohio does not allow RIFLES for hunting deer -- only shotguns.

Right. I think though on your own property you could shoot them with just about anything that you can legally own.

[Rudder]

...after he was shot in the head with his rifle.

Rifles are allowed in Ohio, except they're not to be used during deer hunting season, which is strictly reserved for only deer. We used either double-aught buckshot or rifled slugs.

[Rudder]

And I forgot primitive weapons...muzzle loaders are allowed here in Ohio during deer season.

[add925]

NMLA....my wife's ancestors once owned the land that the NMLA headquarters were in Frendship, IN.

Always thought muzzle loading was cool.

[Dixie Pirate]

I murdered Bambi with a .308 in southwest GA, then air conditioned her brother in southeast GA.

There'll be some incredible meals at my house this weekend!

As for safety, we know not to shoot at the ORANGE deer... they shoot back!

[Rudder]

I'm not awake yet. What's NMLA?

[add925]

National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association...oops, NMLRA, not NMLA....looks like I've been asleep as well $^(