A hunt in Midland County’s Warren Township turned tragic on Tuesday morning for an Indianapolis man. 33-year-old Corey Welch was in his tree blind when a 26-year-old female hunter from Coleman accidentally shot him in the back. She was shooting at a deer from another blind, heard Welch screaming and was able to get him help.
Welch later died at Flint’s Hurley Medical Center. The case will be turned over to the Prosecutor’s office where it will be determined if charges will be filed.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers the following tips to help avoid hunting accidents:
- 1. Watch that muzzle! Keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- 2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun. It might be, even if you think it isn’t.
- 3. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an adequate backstop --- don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
- 4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. This is the best way to prevent an accidental discharge.
- 5. Check your barrel and ammunition. Make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and carry only the proper ammunition for your firearm.
- 6. Unload firearms when not in use. Leave actions open/ carry firearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shooting area.
- 7. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a gun
- 8. Don’t run, jump or climb with a loaded firearm. Unload a firearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
- 9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely. Store each in secured locations beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
- 10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during shooting. Also avoid mind- or behavior altering medicines or drugs.
