2 hunters dead from accidental self-inflicted gunshot wounds, sheriff says

GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (WLEX) – Two men have died from accidental self-inflicted gunshot wounds during the opening weekend for deer season in Kentucky.

WLEX reports that the Garrard County sheriff says Russell Stillwell, 77, of Indiana was hunting near Poor Ridge Road and the Buckeye Community when he tripped and fell, accidentally firing his gun Saturday.

On Sunday, the sheriff says Benjamin Brogle Jr., 26, who was hunting off of Fisher Ford Road, also fell while walking, causing him to accidentally fire his gun, hitting himself.

Justin Hamilton is a hunter training officer with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

As deer season gets into full swing, he’s saddened to learn of the deaths and also committed to educating hunters.

He says safety is always their main priority when teaching hunter safety courses.

Garrard County Emergency Management released some hunting safety tips as well, including treating every firearm as if it is loaded, as well as always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, being certain of your target and what is beyond it, keeping your finger outside of the trigger guard and off of the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, always wearing distinctive hunter orange clothing and never carrying a loaded gun in our vehicle.