Tree Stand Tragedy or Stupidity

I know nobody ever does this but....Looks like these guys evidently weren't paying attention to safety. One paid with his life. It's from NH but a tree stand is the same anywhere. I can't imagine capping off THEN pulling it up while looking down the barrel the whole way up. Safety shortcuts always have a habit of catching up to you. Have fun..be safe.

Two Self-inflicted Hunting-related Shooting Incidents in N.H., One Fatal
CONCORD, N.H. –Two hunting-related shooting incidents occurred in New Hampshire on Saturday, October 31, the opening day of the state’s muzzleloader season for deer. One was fatal.
In Rindge, N.H., Timothy Letourneau of Rindge, age 21, was killed when his muzzleloader discharged shortly after he had gotten into his treestand. Letourneau had been hunting with his brother on land off Old Jaffrey Road, where the pair had landowner permission to hunt. The landowner called 911 just before 4 p.m. on Saturday (October 31) to report that a hunter had been shot. New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers, Rindge Police and Rindge Fire and Rescue responded. Letourneau was transported to Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, where he was pronounced dead from an accidental gunshot wound, according to N.H. Fish and Game Lt. Craig Morrocco.
Also on Saturday afternoon, a deer hunter was injured in Ossippee. Robert LaPointe of Somersworth, age 66, was pulling his muzzleloader up into his treestand about 1:45 p.m. when the gun got stuck on a branch, which pulled the trigger. The gun was fully loaded (with cap) and pointed upwards. It went off and shot LaPointe in the hand at close range, causing serious injury. LaPointe was transported to Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, then transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to N.H. Fish and Game Conservation Officer Mark Hensel.
"When you bring a firearm up into a treestand, the gun must be unloaded – for muzzleloaders, uncapped – with the safety on. Also, control the direction of the muzzle of your firearm; know exactly where it’s pointing at all times," said Hensel.

Here's the link Two Self-inflicted Hunting-related Shooting Incidents in N.H., One Fatal - N.H. Fish and Game

i would say they were dumb hunters. they should know better that that i bet they didn't have a hunters safety class certificate.

Sad but thats why safety is very important.

It's a tragedy that could have been prevented if the hunter had not been an idiot.

Originally Posted by H0TSH0T

i would say they were dumb hunters. they should know better that that i bet they didn't have a hunters safety class certificate.

If you need some class to tell you not to do the things they did, I don't think it would help much. Warning labels are for these guys.

Just goes to show ya; Darwinism is ALWAYS in season...

Now some poor muzzle loader manufacturer will get sued.

Originally Posted by Pvt.Joker

Just goes to show ya; Darwinism is ALWAYS in season...

Very, very well played, sir.

Accidents will happen but using common sense is still a choice. It's bad when things like this happen and my prayers go out to the family but we all can use this as a reminder to be safe.

I happen to be best friends with the 21 year old kid his name is timmy and his accident was not done out of stupidity! He was in his tree stand for a short period of time and happened to ACCIDENTLY dropped his rifle. When it hit the ground it went off... It happened to be aimed directly at him... all a flute.. so please get your facts correct before you accuse someone of being an idiot!