An Illinois man, Seth Egelhoff, tragically lost his life during a waterfowl hunting trip in Iowa, according to the state’s department of natural resources. The incident occurred in the Bays Branch Wildlife Area in Guthrie County, where Egelhoff was shot in the face by a member of his hunting party. Emergency services were alerted around 1 p.m., and despite efforts to transport him via medical helicopter, Egelhoff succumbed to his injuries en route.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ law enforcement arm is currently investigating the incident, and initial findings suggest that the shooting was accidental. The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol are also assisting in the investigation.
Waterfowl hunting is a popular sport across the country, and federal and state regulations are in place to ensure the preservation of these birds while providing hunting opportunities. Iowa, in particular, has three designated zones for waterfowl hunting, with the season typically running from September to January during specified shooting hours.
This unfortunate incident marks the second fatal hunting accident in Iowa this fall. The Bays Branch Wildlife Area, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, is open to the public for recreational use.
The loss of Seth Egelhoff serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with hunting activities. As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, authorities will strive to implement measures that promote safety and prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
