DNR investigating hunting incidents, urges safety as top priority

DES MOINES – DNR conservation officers responded to numerous hunting incidents this weekend during the second shotgun season for deer. The following are incidents that are currently under investigation by the Iowa DNR and any possible charges will be forthcoming.

On Saturday, December 8, around 9:05 a.m., DNR conservation officers responded to a property damage report in Reasnor in Jasper County. A 13-year-old Jesup boy, shot numerous times at a moving deer with a 20-guage shotgun. One of his rounds hit a residence at 12586 E. 88^th Street South. Minimal damage was done to the siding of the house.
On Sunday, December 9, around 8:30 a.m., DNR conservation officers responded to a report of a man that dropped his loaded muzzleloader causing it to discharge and striking himself in the left wrist and chest. The incident happened in Madison County. Ronny Butler, 39, of Macksburg, was air lifted to a Des Moines hospital and underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
On Sunday, December 9 around 4:30 p.m., DNR conservation officers responded to a fatal hunting incident at Robert’s Creek Park on the north side of Lake Red Rock. Blake E. Schroder, 23, of Leighton, Iowa, was fatally struck by a round believed to be fired from a member of his large hunting party. An autopsy is pending on Schroder at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny.
On Sunday, December 9, around 4:30 p.m., DNR conservation officers responded to a property damage report in Dickinson County just west of West Lake Okoboji. A man at 20458 193^rd Loop in Milford, was inside a steel building when a bullet entered through the walls. Officials believe it was a stray bullet from a deer hunter, but have not been able to locate a hunter.
On Sunday, December 9, around 5:06 p.m., DNR conservation officers responded to a property damage report in Butler County. Homeowners at 28353 325^th Street in New Hartford heard a loud noise on their window shortly after hearing a gunshot. The owners noticed their window was broken and a shotgun slug was recovered from the scene.
On Sunday, December 9, DNR conservation officers responded to a property damage incident in Decatur County. A Tama man fired a shot at a deer and missed, hitting a house at 21912 170^th Street in Leon.