Accidental shooting/hunting death in Florida e safe

[Old Gobbler]

Please hunt safely !!! This happened this week here in Florida -prayers out to the family  ==Shannon

Investigation continues into boy's hunting death in Dixie County

By Karen Voyles
Staff writer
Published: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 3:02 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 3:02 p.m.
The state agency investigating the apparently accidental shooting death of a Dixie County boy Tuesday night has not turned up any indication that he had completed a hunter safety education course.

However, state law does not require that young hunters complete the course until they are 16 years old.

Bryan Austin Osteen, 12, was hunting on private land with his grandfather around 5:15 p.m. when his shotgun fired a fatal round into his upper torso, according to Dixie County Sheriff's Office Maj. Scott Harden.

Harden said investigators were trying to determine whether Bryan may have been climbing into or out of his tree stand or perhaps fell the approximately 12 feet from his tree stand or if some other scenario unfolded that caused the gun to fire unexpectedly.

In a preliminary report, deputies said the grandfather was nearby, but did not see what happened.

"The law says that until you are 16, you must be within visual range of an adult hunter who is supervising you," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Karen Parker.

A search of FWC's computerized records on Wednesday did not turn up record of Bryan taking a hunter safety course in Florida, but because there is reciprocity among states on youth hunter safety, Parker said it was possible he had taken a course elsewhere. In that case, Florida would not have a record of it, but it would be recognized when he turned 16.

Florida allows youngsters to take the free course in a classroom setting, over the Internet or on a CD. No matter how the class is taken, each person must participate and pass a range day, Parker said, before they are issued a hunter safety card.

During the range day, participants are tested in writing and on a gun range to ensure that they understand and can apply what they learn, according to Parker.

[hookedspur]

So Sad . Prayers sent .

[Hognutz]

Stories like that tear the guts right out of me. It just doesn't have to happen..One careless moment and it's over. My God, the poor parents...

[chatterbox]

What a horrible, horrible tragedy. Prayers sent to the family.

[ctwny1]

Prayers for Bryan and his family. How sad...

[turkey slayer]

wow thats awful!