(Panora, IA) -- One man is dead after a hunting accident in Guthrie County over the weekend. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been investigating the incident that occurred Saturday in Guthrie County. The DNR says Seth Egelhoff, 26, of Chesterfield, IL, was shot while waterfowl hunting at the Bays Branch Wildlife Area in Guthrie County while with a hunting party. Egelhoff was pronounced deceased shortly after being transported from the scene by Panora EMS.
"It appears at this time that one of the members of the hunting party inflicted the shot onto the deceased victim," said Jeremy King, DNR Conservation Officer. He says it appeared to be accidental.
The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department, Panora EMS, and Iowa State Patrol assisted in the investigation.
King reminds hunters to practice muzzle safety. "We just stress the importance of muzzle safety, and best discipline, knowing where your muzzle is pointing at all times," King said, "we just wish everybody [will] stay safe on this."
The DNR says the Bays Branch wildlife area remains open for public use.