DNR: Man shot riding in side-by-side with loaded gun

ALUM CREEK, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Update 11/25/2022 @ 5:11 p.m.

Division of Natural Resource Officers said a father and son were coming back from a hunting trip when a gun went off, hitting the father.

DNR officer Chuck Holloran said the two were heading back from a from the trip in the Alum Creek area when the rifle went off, shooting a bullet all the way through the man’s back.

“It appears that the gun went off. They were driving on a rough terrain. The gun went off, maybe through the items they had in the seat beside them,” said Holloran.

It is a terrifying situation for the son, who raced back in the side-by-side to meet responders. Holloran said the two had loaded guns inside the side-by-side and one of those went off.

“It’s a larger weapon that is used for deer hunting,” said Holloran. “It was determined he was using a 308 caliber hunting rifle.”

When the two returned to Brouland Road, Holloran said the man laid down and waited for emergency crews.

Holloran said no citations will be issued.

This year, the laws for carrying guns in vehicles is different. Guns are now allowed to be carried and loaded inside vehicles, including side-by-sides and four wheelers.

“You do not have to unload your weapon. That law changed this year, and I think that may have contributed to the injuries today,” said Holloran.

He said having a loaded gun while driving in rough terrain can be more dangerous.

“Use common sense if you are going to have a loaded weapon in your vehicle or side by side. Make sure it is in a safe place to where it is not going to accidentally go off through rough terrain, clothing or something could roll around and even hit it,” said Holloran.

DNR officers said there is no update yet on the man’s condition.

Keep checking WSAZ for the latest.

Original story 11/25/2022

One person was injured in a hunting accident in the Charles Lane area of Alum Creek Friday, according to dispatchers.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reports the accident happened as two hunters on a side-by-side were on their way back to Huntington.

Officials report the victim was hit in the stomach after an accidental discharge from a rifle.

The Division of Natural Resources and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

Keep checking the WSAZ App for updates.

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