Hunter injures self in Switzerland Country

[jjas]

DILLSBORO – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a hunting accident which a hunter in Switzerland County accidentally shot himself Nov. 18 near Dillsboro.

James Sweetman, 45, Dillsboro, sustained a gunshot injury to his left heal while heading to his stand to hunt deer.

Sweetman was reportedly walking downhill when he stepped on a slick log that caused him to slip. Sweetman’s firearm was slung over his shoulder, with the barrel facing down, when the firearm accidentally discharged as he fell.

Sweetman made contact with his father and son who contacted 9-1-1 at about 6:15 a.m. He was then airlifted by U.C. Air to the University of Cincinnati to receive medical treatment.

Indiana Conservation Officers, UC Air, East Enterprise Fire Department, and Switzerland County Emergency Response were all on scene to assist.

An investigation is ongoing.

Here's a link to the article.

www.greensburgdailynews.com/news/local_news/hunter-injures-self-in-switzerland-county-accident/article_79398f05-1b6f-54fa-b82b-f3641d3ca309.html

[Woody Williams]

Wow! Who slings a gun barrel pointing down?

[greghopper]

Nov 20, 2018 8:14:15 GMT -5 Woody Williams said:

Wow! Who slings a gun barrel pointing down?

Expically loaded one in chamber!

Bet he rethinks that idea.

[throbak]

That’s why I like the new safety feature on the Rugar American Your Finger has to depress a safety bar on trigger that your finger has to depress to be able to fire That would not have happened with the RA Hope he recovers compleatly

[butlerj]

Unfortunate turn of events. I've never seen anyone sling their gun with the barrel down.

[greypoupon]

I noticed on the show "Northwoods Law" that the Conservation officers many times carry a slung shotgun barrel down. I thought it was weird but assumed they knew what they were doing.

[jjas]

Nov 20, 2018 8:14:15 GMT -5 Woody Williams said:

Wow! Who slings a gun barrel pointing down?

Especially loaded and with the safety apparently off...

[oldhoyt]

Nov 20, 2018 8:14:15 GMT -5 Woody Williams said:

Wow! Who slings a gun barrel pointing down?

I'll admit there's a good chance I'm imagining this, but I think I recall watching a video of the Benoits and they were talking about walking with a slinged (slung?) rifle. The rifle was barrel down. The shooter explained that it was faster to bring the gun up to shoot. He them demonstrated his technique, and was pretty quick at it.

I don't even carry a sling. Just one more reason to get caught without a gun in your hand when you need one.

[firstwd]

Single point slings, like generally used on AR platform guns, hold the gun barrel down. It's what we used with the department AR's, made it quick and easy to switch from long to hand guns.

[teenhunter00]

I never have one in the chamber until I am properly situated in my stand. I can't shoot until 30 mins before sunrise so what's the point I am not gonna shoot anything yet. Now you might say the noise but I have a climber and those things can make some noise. Mainly I do it because I don't even want to risk my shotgun going off accidentally. I especially don't want it to go off when I'm raising or lowering it from my stand.

[scrub-buster]

This is the second self inflicted gunshot in Switzerland Co. in the last few years. Both were leg injuries. If he took his heel off with a slug that foot will never be the same again.

[jdebose]

I always walked in and out with my loaded firearm on my back. I like to have both hands free if I do happen to slip or fall. I’ve missed a chance at several deer while In route over the years. Oh well.

[jimstc]

Nov 20, 2018 14:12:01 GMT -5 firstwd said:

Single point slings, like generally used on AR platform guns, hold the gun barrel down. It's what we used with the department AR's, made it quick and easy to switch from long to hand guns.

That is exactly how I carry my AR in .450 Bushmaster. I don't see a safety issue.
Also makes it quick to bring the rifle to a firing position. My son who is a former Marine and current Defense contractor carries his the same way. I'll take that as a yes....