Teen hunters were alone at time of fatal shooting, deputy says
August 04, 2008 - 08:15 PM
by Aaron Burkhalter
by Aaron Burkhalter
The 14-year-old who accidentally shot a woman hiking on Sauk Mountain Saturday was hunting with his 16-year-old brother while the adult who took them there waited in the car, a deputy said today.
Previously, the Skagit County Sheriff's Department report said the teenagers were accompanied by at least one adult.
However, Chief Criminal Deputy Will Reichardt clarified today that the boys' grandfather dropped them off in the area and waited in the car while they hunted. Washington state law does not require an adult be present while minors hunt.
The 14-year-old mistook Pamela Almli for a bear and fatally shot her Saturday morning, according to authorities.
Capt. Bill Hebner of Fish and Wildlife said the teen hunters had valid licenses and were hunting within an appropriate area during bear-hunting season, which opened Saturday.
State law requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972, to pass a Department of Fish and Wildlife hunter’s safety course to obtain a license.
