http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/GJNEWS02/711160024
Meredith man treated for gunshot wound to foot
By GAIL OBER
[email protected]
Article Date: Friday, November 16, 2007
A Meredith man was treated at Lakes Region General Hospital Thursday morning after accidentally shooting himself in the foot while hunting in Ahern State Park.
N.H. Department of Fish and Game Conservation Officer Michael Eastman said John A. Hurd, 53, was hunting with his nephew and his father around 7:45 a.m. when he shifted his 12-gauge shotgun from his right hand to his left. Eastman said the gun discharged one slug into Hurd's right foot at the top of his toes.
Eastman said Hurd is a very accomplished and experienced hunter and the incident is still under investigation. "This unfortunate incident demonstrates how important it is to make sure your safety is always on until you are ready to shoot," said Eastman.
Corrections Officers from the nearby Lakes Region correctional facility were the first to respond and were soon joined by the Laconia Police Department, the Belknap County Sheriffs Department, and conservation officers from the Department of Fish and Game.
Hurd was taken the Laconia Fire Department to the hospital and is in stable condition.
"Even for experienced hunters it's always a good idea to review daily what they need to do to be safe," said Laura Ryder, N.H. Fish and Game Hunter Education Supervisor.
She said since hunter education classes became mandatory in the late 1960s, hunting-related incidents have decreased each decade. She said overall New Hampshire has an excellent record for hunter safety.
This is the second hunting accident reported since black-power or muzzleloader season started Nov. 2. On Nov. 5, James White, 33, of Lisbon accidentally shot himself in the hand while he was attempting to reload his muzzleloader rifle while hunting deer.
Rifle season began Nov. 14 and continues until Dec. 2 said Eastman, who added there is no rifle hunting in the areas around Laconia, including Ahern State Park — only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bows.
Ryder said all hunters should review the "Ten Commandments of Shooting Safety" each time they head out into the woods.
1. Treat every firearm with the same respect due a loaded firearm.
2. Control the direction of your firearm's muzzle.
3. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
5. Unload firearms when not in use.
6. Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.
7. Never climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch or log, with a loaded firearm.
8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or at water.
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages or other mood-altering drugs before or while shooting.