Tuesday, January 24, 2012 By Cory Burmeister
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Sport
turned fatal in a tragic hunting accident in Exeter, Rhode Island.
Donald Malette, a 45 year old Warwick resident was stalking deer with
three friends when he was shot by his fellow hunter (whose name was not
released in the investigation). "I guess the guy was shooting at another
deer, and his friend got shot." said Ranger Dave Pulambo in an online
article from turnto10.com. Malette was rushed to Kent Hospital, given
CPR, and died shortly after.
The
incident occurred on Wednesday December 28 in the Arcadia Management
Area near Austin farm road at 11am. Several students were interviewed
and asked about their perspective on the event. "When I first heard of
the accident, it shocked me because of how close it was. I mean, I go
hiking there at least once a month," Nathan Stromberg comments. Several
other students also voiced their opinion on the accident. "My entire
outlook on hiking has changed, if someone got shot this nearby, I"m
going to have to be a lot safer--or not hike at all," Sophomore Luke
Burmeister says. One college student that hunts as a hobby was also
asked. "Obviously this incident is going to make everyone more cautious.
Hunting is a dangerous hobby and, if anything, this should make our
forests safer because people will take safety precautions. And think
twice before they shoot!" Sean Rayhill concludes.
The
bulk of the comments coming from students, parents, and others majorly
were concern for safety and fear for its proximity. A survey from
animalrights.about.com says that between Canada and the United States
about one thousand people are shot as a result of hunting. While just
under a hundred of those are fatalities. According to the article,
hunters are the main ones that get injured, but hikers are shot and
sometimes killed as well. In Rhode Island since 1984 there have been 65
hunting accidents. 20 of them being fatal, according to nraila.org.This
means that on average there about 2 to 4 a year. The Department of
Environmental Management has strict regulations that all hunters must
abide by, each applicant for a license must read the rules and code of
conduct regarding the activity.
As
a result of the nearby fatality, the majority of the ones interviewed
asked what steps they could take to ensure their safety. Quantitative
data gathered from wta.org and the skillet creek journal lists a
collection of safety tips necessary to hike with minimum concern and
utmost protection.The central tip each source stresses is to wear bright
colored clothing. This is the number one way to prevent a hunter from
mistaking you as a deer. A bright orange vest is recommended for hikers
and pets. Though other colors that make you stand out are suitable as
well.
Some
additional ways to lessen your chance of an unfortunate hunting
accident is to make noise. Talking, singing, and whistling are some
things you can do. Walking in groups, letting someone know when you
leave, knowing when hunting season is and staying updated, and being
constantly aware of your surroundings are also precautions that are
recommended. "This may not completely prevent all accidents, but it will
leave you with the highest protection save staying home. The
possibility of danger is always present when hunting, accidents are very
rare but they do happen, always be aware when you hike, and stay safe!"