Illinois man shot, dies in waterfowl hunting shooting in Iowa

(KBSI) – A Chesterfield, Illinois man was shot and died while waterfowl hunting in Iowa Saturday.

Seth Egelhoff, 26, was hunting at the Bays Branch Wildlife Area in Guthrie County, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The Guthrie Sheriff’s Department received an emergency call around 1 p.m. of a hunter with a gunshot wound to the face at Bays Branch Wildlife Area.

Egelhoff was taken by Panora EMS. Lifesaving measures were given en route to Life Flight but were unsuccessful.

He was pronounced dead shortly after leaving the scene.

It remains under investigation by the Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department, Panora EMS, and Iowa State Patrol assisted in the investigation.

The wildlife area is open for public use.

“I can tell you as a waterfowl hunter myself, that anybody who has hunted waterfowl with another person or more, has been in the scenario these four young men were in, it was an uncommon scenario the situation that happened unfortunately it ended in tragedy that they’re going to have to live with for the rest of their life.” Says, Officer King says that having muzzle awareness and discipline when handling a firearm is paramount.

Southeast Protection Regional Supervisor, Russell Duckworth agrees with that statement.

Duckworth says, “You have to understand from the time you hit the field to the time you’re finished hunting, that you are the one that is responsible for what happens and just be aware of where your gun is pointing.”

Duckworth says clothing choices go into play when it comes to visibility for hunter safety.

Duckworth says, “Having those bright colors to hunt anything is a good idea, cause then people can pick out those bright colors and see you more easily.”

Duckworth urges hunters to not be under the influence while hunting and to stay aware of their surroundings at all times.