An Iowa man tragically lost his life after being shot while hunting coyotes with friends. Mark Arends, a 53-year-old man, was participating in the activity on private land near the town of Alden, located 60 miles northeast of Des Moines. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Sunday. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released a statement stating that Arends was struck by a single rifle shot. Currently, the shooting is under investigation, and no arrests have been made. The hunters were reportedly several hundred yards apart when the unfortunate incident took place. Arends was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Hunting coyotes is a common practice in Iowa, particularly at night due to their nocturnal nature. Hunters often utilize night vision technology, such as thermal imaging scopes, to aid in their pursuit. However, caution and the proper identification of targets are paramount, especially when engaging in nocturnal hunting activities with thermal technology. Captain Matt Bruner of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Bureau emphasized the importance of target identification before taking a shot, particularly when hunting at night.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in hunting and the need for responsible practices. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
