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Author
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Topic: Federal Ranger Killed by Coyote Hunter
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 07, 2010 08:26 AM
This is target identification at its worst. A real shame...
http://www.13wmaz.com/news/local/sto...=75897&catid=7
USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Christopher Arby Upton, 37, of Monroe Georgia was shot and killed by a hunter who was coyote hunting and mistook him for game at the Ocmulgee Bluff Equestrian Recreation Area in Jasper County around 11 p.m. Friday, according to Robin Hill, Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The recreational area is located on the Oconoee Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
Two people were hunting coyote with a high-powered rifle equipped with night vision and apparently mistook the officer for game, after the shooting, the hunters dialed 911 and reported a hunting incident, according to a Georgia DNR news release.
The release said the shooter, Norman Clinton Hale, 40, of McDonough, GA, and an observer Clifford Allen McGouirk, 41, of Jackson, GA, are being investigated.
"This is a tragic incident where the loss of a Federal officer's life could have been avoided," said Steven Ruppert, Special Agent-in-Charge for the Southern Region of the Forest Service, "This is a devastating loss for Chris' family, our agency, other law enforcement officers and his friends and neighbors in Monroe."
Hill said Upton was shot one time, in the head and died immediately.
"The standard procedure for a hunter is to identify your target and then shoot," said Homer Bryson, Law Enforcement Colonel for Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, "The hunter failed to do this and mistook the officer for game. He then shot and instantly killed the officer."
"The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Forest Service and Georgia DNR," said Hill.
Hill said no charges have been made.
According to the release, Upton was a 4-year veteran of the Forest Service and had previously worked as a game warden for the Department of Defense, US Marine Corps, at Beaufort, South Carolina, and as a conservation officer, game warden and pilot with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica, and a 4-year-old daughter, Annabelle.
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
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posted March 07, 2010 08:34 AM
Yeah, this is a bad deal. This does intrigue me though?
What the hell happened? Were the hunters in a place they were not supposed to be? Why did the Ranger come into the picture to begin with? Did he hear the sounds and go to investigate? Did he know the guys were hunting in a place where they were not supposed to and went to break it up? If so, if you had any clue about hunting, why the hell would you go into a live stand? Was is such an emergency that he couldnt wait by their truck? If that wasnt the case, what other reason would drag him into an area where people were calling predators? Not like its a quiet sport.
Anyway, Im curious about hearing details on this one. Somebody fucked up and although there is no doubt the shooter has fault, he may not bear all the fault....
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Andy
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 07, 2010 08:54 AM
Isn't target identification the #1 priority when hunting at night?
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TRnCO
FUTURE HALL OF FAMER
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posted March 07, 2010 08:55 AM
I don't know Andy, but IMO, the shooter is 100% at fault because it was no accident that he pulled the trigger after failing to identify his target. We, as predator callers have to expect the unexpected to come to the call, especially at night, you as the shooter have the responsibility to identify the target before pulling the trigger. Could've been a deer, a bear, or a number of any other "non-targeted" bodies coming to the sound. You pull the trigger at some thing you don't want to kill because you failed to identify it, you're 100% at fault.
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted March 07, 2010 09:01 AM
I have to disagree, Andy. One thing I have stressed for many years is identifying your target. It is so easy to do, but YOU CANNOT DO IT WITH FRIGGIN NIGHT VISION!
(edit: a classic case of shooting at eyes)
You must illuminate the target! It is amazing how a horse can look like a coyote, or a house cat can look like a bobcat. The list is endless.
These guys were, in my opinion, playing coyote hunter and some sort of night ops, all rolled into one. They ARE at fault and they need to be held accountable.
Furthermore, this event will be a lightning rod every place where people petition for the right to hunt at night, in spite of (who knows?) millions of safe hours hunting predators at night, in the entire world. It's (in my view) actually safer than day hunting of any type.
There will be attempts to close night hunting where legal, because of this incident. Anywhere that night hunting is being considered, it could easily be stillborn, because of this incident.
Yes, I greive for the ranger and his family, but my concern is that this unnecessarily gives us a black eye. I am greatly offended that two adults can accidently shoot a human being in the head and claim that it's an unfortunate accident, rather than gross negligence, which is what it is!
Good hunting. LB
[ March 07, 2010, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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fgf4
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posted March 07, 2010 09:17 AM
I have never understood how anyone can shoot without 100% knowing their intended target. Night hunting with so called, "Night vision" is something I have also questioned. Like has been said this is not good for any hunter.
It is also a terrible loss to the officer's family and for all of us.
I do however also agree there must be more to the story... not that anything could justify the outcome.
My prayers to the families of all involved.
Nikonut
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Andy L
HI, I'M THE NEW MODERATOR OF THE CENTRAL MISSOURI FORUM, PULL MY FINGER!
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posted March 07, 2010 09:26 AM
Once again my ability to get what I want to say into print is exposed. LOL
He is at fault. Target identification is crucial. You shouldnt be shooting at just a coyote even, but a spot on the coyote.
Is no one else interested to hear what this guy was doing in the woods at night walking up on a stand? I guess maybe Im alone on second guessing that judgement....
I have had very limited experience hunting at night. I have called a little, its illegal here. I have coon hunted quite a bit and places you know very well look very different in the dark. Its a whole new world, no doubt. I also have no experience with night vision.
Yeah, the shooters at fault, you guys are right and I should have said that different. However, I still wonder what the hell the agent was doing?
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Andy
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 07, 2010 09:50 AM
It appears the ranger may have been doing doing his job.
See sections I, II, and VII.
http://tn.gov/sos/pub/proclamations/06-03-09.pdf
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Possumal
HONORARY CALLS FORUM MODERATOR edit: AND TOKEN LIBERAL
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posted March 07, 2010 09:53 AM
Whatever the officer was doing, you can bet it was within his rightful duties. The shooters messed up big time, costing a life.
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Al Prather
Foxpro Field Staff
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Leonard
HMFIC
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posted March 07, 2010 09:57 AM
Well, he could easily be guilty of poor judgement, or not being able to connect the dots. It is obvious that he was looking in the direction where these (so called) hunters were set up. The reason was that most likely, he heard the calls and was looking in that direction.
A Ranger should know and recognize the sound? He should not have approached the stand in a stealthy manor; I know I wouldn't! There are enough mistakes to go around, that's for sure.
These dimwits should be prosecuted for gross negligence and manslaughter.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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Leonard
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posted March 07, 2010 10:03 AM
49, that first link doesn't work and that pdf file seems to be about Tennesee, not Georgia. But it does prohibit predator calls and lights. If that's where it occured, these guys are beyond stupid.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
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4949shooter
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posted March 07, 2010 10:18 AM
My mistake Leonard, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is indeed in Georgia.
Here is another link to a pertinent article:
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_170478.asp
Edit: Perhaps more of the story will come out as time goes on. Though I think the bottom line is the ranger was out there in the performance of his duties.
Maybe this was an honest mistake on the hunter's part. But if so it was a mistake that could have been avoided.
[ March 07, 2010, 10:31 AM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 07, 2010 02:07 PM
Here is another article:
http://www.13wmaz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=75897&catid=175A U.S. Forestry officer died after a hunter accidentally shot him.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says 37-year-old Christopher Upton was shot at the Ocmulgee Bluff Equestrian Recreation Area in Jasper County while on routine patrol.
Ranger First Class Wil Smith says Friday night was a routine shift on the the job for Upton until two men hunting coyote in the same area, mistook him for their game.
"It really brings those thoughts to the front of your mind," say Smith. "It makes you alert to the potential hazards in this job."
Smith says the shooter, 40-year-old Norman Clinton Hale of McDonough, did not identify what he was shooting at.
"In the dark, the night vision scope reflected in Officer Upton's eyes," says Smith. "It may have appeared that he was a coyote."
Smith says, when working at night, rangers aren't required to wear reflective clothing or any other equipment to help stand out in the darkness.
"At times it's necessary for officers to be secluded whenever they're on patrol," says Smith, a DNR Ranger for 5-years. "Reflective garments aren't always a tool that we would use."
He says Upton was shot once and died instantly. Hale and his hunting partner, 41-year-old Clifford Allen McGouirk of Jackson dialed 911 and reported the incident.
As a state ranger, Smith says, working near firearms at night is part of the job. Ultimately, he says, it's up to the hunter to be sure exactly what is in his line of fire and beyond.
Hunter and horseback-rider Daniel Daughtry says it's a rule every hunter should know.
"That's why when you take your hunter safety course they teach you--know darn sure what you're shooting at before you squeeze the trigger," says Daughtry, who's visited the national forest for more than 12 years. "If you're not sure, it's just best to let the game go."
A basic rule that was ignored in this case, says Ranger Smith--a mistake that cost a 4-year veteran of the Forest Service his life.
The U.S. Forest Service and the State DNR are still investigating the two hunters. No charges have been made
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TOM64
Knows what it's all about
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posted March 08, 2010 05:33 AM
If the officer was in hiding, exposing only his head and eyes, doing his job, he might have shown bad judgement but these two idiots should be charged with manslaughter at the least. Target ID is vital whether it's daytime or night time and NV even with some of the best out there (which I doubt they had) isn't the clearest thing to view, especially at range. Know your target and what's beyond!
It's a sad event anyway you look at it.
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Aznative
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posted March 08, 2010 10:06 AM
This is a real shame and these two guys need to go up for at least man slaughter. Target Id is critical in all hunting situations. I really feel for the family of this officer.
Two weekends ago, I went to the local outdoor expo at Cardinal Stadium. While there I asked an Az game and fish LEO if they might ever allow the night time calling of coyotes. His response back was political. He said as a caller, he believes it would be very fun; but as a game warden, he is afraid of it. He doesn't want to be in the situation where he has to approach guys with high power weapons, and not know if they are up to good or bad. Right now he simply assumes they are poaching if they are shooting at night. He commented that all LEOs as a rule are against it. He also stated that when it has been considered in the past, they have contacted the DNR people from other states that permit night hunting. He claimed they all wished they didn't allow for it.
This Game and Fish guy that spoke at our last club meeting stated that New Mexico has passed some very punitive laws against night poaching. This law probably has made enforcement even worse because it has started fights between the poachers and LEOs.
This single incident will be used forever as an argument against night hunting in AZ.
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 08, 2010 01:04 PM
I think the fish and game officers feel night hunting will complicate their work...even make it more dangerous for them.
In other words, now anyone at night out in the woods/ fields with guns and lights are positively up to no good.
Introduce night hunting, and you don't know for sure who you are dealing with...good or bad. This could have been the reason Officer Upton was surveilling these two hunters.
Personally I like night hunting, and I hope it is here to stay.
Edit for typo.
[ March 08, 2010, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
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Leonard
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posted March 08, 2010 01:52 PM
I had Border Patrol roll up to us one night, like an ops deal. After initial cluster fuck, they were a little put out that we had been working a white light on an animal; reason, because it was so bright, moon etc. They admitted that they frequently don't disturb their stakeout position when they observe a red light, which, to them means = coyote hunter. When they see red light, they (often) don't investigate, was my conclusion? Makes sense, but that's not all the time, but that's what they have been led to believe? In other words, in border areas, they suggested we continue with the red, exclusively, to avoid confusion.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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TOM64
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posted March 08, 2010 03:07 PM
Here in Okieland we have to call the ranger and tell him where we will be. That way when he gets a call in the middle of the night he can just go back to sleep.
Course we gotta use a shotgun and #6 shot so I just stay in bed now too.
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Leonard
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posted March 08, 2010 03:38 PM
quote:
Course we gotta use a shotgun and #6 shot so I just stay in bed now too. tom64
That's almost as insulting as requiring you to use paintballs. What a concession by such an enlightened agency!
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 09, 2010 02:59 AM
#6 shot wow...
I thought NJ was bad when it use to require us to use #4 shot.
Leonard that makes sense about the Border Patrol and their experience with red light use. I can only speculate but had these two subjects in Georgia been using a red light Officer Upton may not have investigated and might be alive today (in addition to the obvious other safety issues).
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Randy Roede
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posted March 09, 2010 09:49 AM
I would say the general publics ability to have night vision will be questioned.
No night vision allowed here by the public.
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Aznative
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posted March 09, 2010 04:36 PM
I think we should use paintballs. You rig a camera up to take a snap snot 1/10th of a second after you splatter the coyote. The picture serves as proof of shooting one coyote. We could call it catch and release coyote hunting. Of course it is illegal to do that in Az. It would be considered harassment of wildlife which is illegal by state law, but it is ok to blow’em away with a 30/06 however. I wonder if the PETA types would go along with this wacky idea?
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Never thought the devil would need a teleprompter but I could be wrong.
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4949shooter
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posted March 09, 2010 04:59 PM
The latest article:
The fatal shooting of a USDA Forest Service law enforcement officer by coyote hunters in Jasper County remained under investigation today by state and federal wildlife authorities.
Comments (123)E-mailPhotos
Special
Coyote hunters shot and killed 37-year-old Christopher Arby Upton of Monroe, Ga., Friday night.
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"At this point, charges, if any, have not been determined," said spokeswoman Melissa Cummings of the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. "It is still under investigation and we are working with the Forest Service on this one."
The officer, 37-year-old Christopher Arby Upton of Monroe, Ga., was shot and killed about 11 p.m. Friday while patrolling in the Ocmulgee Bluff Equestrian Recreation Area of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
The man who shot him, Norman Clinton Hale, 40, of McDonough, Ga., was hunting coyotes with a high-powered rifle equipped with night-vision equipment. He was accompanied by another man, Clifford Allen McGouirk, 41, of Jackson, Ga., authorities said.
According to the their accounts of the incident, Upton was behind a berm, using binoculars, and the binocular lenses apparently looked like eyes through the men's night-vision scopes. They later told investigators they mistook Upton for a coyote and shot him. They subsequently dialed 911 to report the shooting and are cooperating with investigators.
Coyotes are a nuisance species in Georgia and there is no closed season, Cummings said. They may be hunted year-round, and at night, with no bag limits-and the equipment the men were using is legal for such hunts.
Steven Ruppert, special agent-in-charge for the Southern Region of the Forest Service, said in a letter to employees today that the incident has been a terrible tragedy.
"We are all aware of the inherent risk and danger of this job," he wrote. "Ability, training, and experience, however, cannot protect us in all situations even though we do the right thing. Chris was doing his job and doing it well."
Law Enforcement Col. Homer Bryson of Georgia's Wildlife Resources Division said the officer was killed instantly-and blamed the tragedy on the failure of the shooter to properly identify his target before pulling the trigger.
The accident marks the 32nd accident and eighth hunting related fatality in Georgia for the 2009-2010 seasons, according to Department of Natural Resources records.
The eight fatalities included-in addition to Upton's death-two deaths attributed to natural causes (stroke and heart attack), one "mistaken for game" shooting, one accidental, self-inflicted shooting, a rattlesnake bite and two falls from deer stands.
By comparison, Georgia's 2008-09 hunting season yielded 34 hunting accidents with four fatalities. Two of those cases involved heart attacks and two were due to falls from tree stands. There were no fatal shootings, but state authorities did investigate six people who were shot by other hunters in cases where people were mistaken for game; and six cases of accidental self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
One of victims among those 2008 shootings was a Georgia game warden, Cpl. Curtis Wright, who was shot in the lower chest with a 7 mm magnum rifle by a deer hunter 70 yards away. He survived his wounds but has since retired.
The deer hunter who fired the shot, Lynn Jeffers, eventually pleaded guilty to negligent use of a firearm, hunting without hunter education certification, hunting without a license and hunting without permission. He received four years of probation plus fines and was given first offender status, according to DNR records.
During the 2007-08 season, there were five shooting fatalities, of which four involved children or teenagers. During 2006-07, there were no fatal shootings and the single reported fatality involved a fall from a tree stand.
Most hunting accidents occur during deer season, which attracts the most participants. Typically, about 350,000 people hunt in Georgia each season.
Upton, a 4-year veteran of the Forest Service, previously worked as a game warden for the U.S. Marine Corps and as a game warden and pilot with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. He is survived by his wife, Jessica, and a 4-year-old daughter, Annabelle.
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fgf4
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posted March 09, 2010 06:08 PM
Georgia sounds like a good place to avoid during deer season...
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4949shooter
SECOND PLACE HIGGINS (MAGNUM P.I.) LOOK A LIKE CONTEST
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posted March 09, 2010 06:25 PM
You aren't kidding.
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