Three Michigan hunters have died from heart attacks during the current deer hunting season, prompting medical examiner Dr. William Morrone to suggest that the Department of Natural Resources require hunters to provide proof of a physical. The deceased, aged 57, 65, and 83, were participating in the physically demanding activity of hauling deer, highlighting the need for better preparation and fitness among hunters.
Ozaukee County in Wisconsin has implemented a deer baiting and feeding ban following the discovery of chronic wasting disease in a buck at a Sheboygan County shooting preserve. This ban is a result of state rules requiring bans in counties where CWD has been detected and in adjoining counties within 10 miles. The ban has also been renewed in Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, and Washington counties, bringing the total number of counties with bans to 59 out of 72 in the state. The disease, which affects deer, elk, and moose, is not known to affect livestock or humans, but precautions are advised.
A 13-year-old boy died in a hunting accident in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, after being shot by a friend while squirrel hunting on private land, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The victim's name has not been released.
A woman walking her dog in Adams County, Wisconsin, was shot in the abdomen by a hunter who mistook her for an antlerless deer. The 47-year-old victim was flown to a hospital for treatment and is still being treated. The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident, and the hunter, who is disabled, claimed he thought the dog was a deer. The DNR reminded hunters and non-hunters to wear highly visible colors during gun-deer season.
A woman in Bagley Township, Michigan, had to be rescued after she climbed into an outhouse toilet to retrieve her Apple Watch and became trapped. First responders were called when she yelled for help, and she was eventually hauled out using a strap. The state police warned against attempting such actions, but it is unclear if the woman was injured or if the watch was recovered.
The massive wildfire in central Wisconsin, known as the "Pallet Fire," is now 99% contained and smaller than originally estimated, with the revised estimate putting it at about 400 acres. No injuries have been reported, but some evacuations took place and a few structures were lost. The fire burned a mix of pine and hardwoods, and depending on overnight conditions, it could be fully contained by Tuesday morning. The fire was fueled by hot, dry, and windy weather conditions, which are unusual for summer.
A wildfire in central Wisconsin has burned over 400 acres, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initially reporting it to be over 800 acres before correcting the size. The fire is now 99% contained, but local law enforcement had to evacuate the area and some structures have been lost. The fire was fueled by warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation. Smoke from the fire is expected to reach the Appleton and Green Bay areas before shifting towards southern Wisconsin due to changing winds.
The Department of Natural Resources is fighting a wildfire southeast of Grayling, Michigan, and residents along Staley Lake Road are being evacuated. Planes with the U.S. Forest Service and Michigan State Police are assisting with fire suppression, and a temporary flight restriction is in place for a 5-mile perimeter around the fire below 5,000 feet.
Public searches for missing 14-year-old Scottie Morris have been suspended by the Eaton police, who will now meet with Indiana State Police, local agencies, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to discuss their next steps. The Department of Natural Resources will continue to search local rivers and ponds, while K9 teams will also be used. Morris disappeared from Eaton on Thursday night, and while local police have run out of places to look around town, they don't see anything criminal about his disappearance.
