Hunter Shoots Himself In Madison County

MADISON COUNTY — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after a man accidentally shot himself while deer hunting in Madison County on Saturday, Nov. 25, officials from Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources report. Law enforcement officers say the Madison County Sheriff's Dept. received a 911 call from the man's relative just before 6 p.m. Saturday. Officers say deputies arrived to the scene located off County Road 500 East in Middletown, where they found 50-year-old Karl Stratton lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh.

Conservation Officer Josiah Julian reportedly determined that Stratton's 12-gauge shotgun accidentally discharged as he tried grabbing the soft case the gun was in, while the case was hanging from a branch. Officers add that the gun was pointed towards Stratton with its safety off.

Officers say Stratton was treated at the scene by EMS crews before being taken to St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis.

Indiana Conservation Officers would like to remind hunters of the importance of handling firearms in a safe manner while in the field, by always leaving the safety on to help prevent accidental discharges, and keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction at all times.

More: Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources

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