Don’t be a statistic

Today I almost created a statistic. Today, 19 November 2017, was the final day of the November deer firearms season and I was hunting legally at the Nodaway County Lake when a person with an apparent death wish came strolling through the woods wearing a ‘deer’ grey hat and jacket or hoodie. I saw movement through the brush and had trained my rifle in the general direction of the movement and was looking through the scope and waiting for the ‘deer’ to clear a dense thicket of brush and this ‘almost statistic’ cleared the brush instead.

My vehicle was the only one in the north parking lot directly across from 200th street and north of the official entrance of the Nodaway County Lake – the time was approximately 2 p.m. As I did not hear a vehicle enter or leave the north parking lot, I would only presume that he walked from the normal entrance or from a nearby residence.

I probably should have said something to the man, but I was so upset knowing how close I came to be creating a statistic. I think the local newspapers and radio stations should remind people that it is not safe to go into the woods during these times without the proper apparel – namely “HUNTER ORANGE”! Maybe signs could be posted at these locations to remind people not to enter these areas not properly attired.

I hope the ‘almost statistic’ appreciates that I saved his life today.

–– Lonnie Treese

Hopkins