Warrior Run boy shot himself while trying to flush out a rabbit in Hanover Twp.

October 29, 2008

What a complete idiot. (But, he's a hunter, what else would we expect????) At least Thumper got away!

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Teen_stable_after_hunting_accident_10-29-2008.html

October 29

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorganLaw & Order Reporter

HANOVER TWP. – A 15-year-old who was injured in a hunting mishap Monday accidentally shot himself while trying to flush a rabbit out from some brush, a state Game Commission spokesman said.

The youth, identified by family members as Kyle Gavlick of Warrior Run, was injured when he attempted to scare the rabbit out with the butt of a shotgun and the weapon discharged, striking him in the abdomen, said Tim Conway, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Conway said Gavlick was hunting with three other people on land owned by Emerald Anthracite when the accident occurred at around 5:42 p.m.

“He was using the stock as a stick, trying to get the rabbit out,” Conway said. “He violated the biggest safety rule, which is to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.”

Tracy Gavlick, the victim’s aunt, said Tuesday the youth suffered serious injuries. He was undergoing testing and was listed in stable condition at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center as of Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s going to be a long road to recovery,” she said.

Conway said the investigation is continuing, but he does not anticipate any citations will be issued for safety violations.

“When it’s self-inflicted, there is no violation,” he said