Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents are investigating a fatal hunting incident that occurred on December 28 in Tangipahoa Parish.
Roberto Garcia, 61, of Baton Rouge, was fatally shot by another hunter while hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Kentwood.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. when a hunter fired at a deer but unknowingly struck Garcia, who was behind the animal, obscured by vegetation. Garcia was hit by a .45 caliber muzzleloader and succumbed to his injuries before first responders could arrive.
The LDWF Enforcement Division is leading the investigation into the incident. Garcia’s body was transferred to the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office for further examination.
In the wake of this tragedy, the LDWF Enforcement Division reminds deer hunters to adhere to hunter orange requirements and to ensure they fully identify their target and surroundings before firing.