Keith Lusher 03.05.26
A northern Indiana raccoon hunt ended in tragedy late Saturday night after a ricocheted round fatally wounded a 31-year-old man in Fulton County.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, emergency personnel were dispatched just before 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 to a reported hunting incident near County Road 500 West, just south of State Road 110.
Fulton County is located roughly 110 miles north of downtown Indianapolis and is largely rural, made up of farmland, woodlots and small communities where hunting is a common activity during the fall and winter months
Authorities say a group of individuals had gathered in the rural area to hunt raccoons, a pursuit that typically takes place after dark. Raccoon hunters often use dogs to locate and tree the animals before attempting a shot once the raccoon climbs and holds in the branches.
Investigators said one hunter attempted to shoot a raccoon that was climbing a tree. When the shot was fired, the round struck the tree and ricocheted. The bullet then hit Andrew Boots, 31, of North Judson, in the abdomen. Authorities have not indicated how far Boots was standing from the shooter at the time.
Those on scene immediately called for help.
First responders from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, the Aubbeenaubbee Fire Department and Parkview Emergency Medical Services responded to the wooded area off County Road 500 West. Boots was treated at the scene before being transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
Despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries.
The DNR said its conservation officers are leading the investigation, which remains ongoing. No additional details have been released regarding the type of firearm used or whether any charges are being considered.
Many raccoon hunters commonly carry .22 caliber rimfire rifles, particularly .22 Long Rifle, because they are lightweight, accurate at moderate distances and produce relatively low recoil. The .22 LR is one of the most popular small game cartridges in the country and is often used when shooting upward into trees where raccoons have been treed by dogs.
In Indiana, raccoon season generally opens in mid-October and runs through Jan. 31 each year. Hunters are required to possess a valid Indiana hunting license and follow all state regulations regarding legal firearms, approved methods of take and hunting hours.
The DNR has not released further information about the circumstances surrounding Saturday night’s incident as conservation officers continue to review evidence and interview those involved.
The investigation remains active.
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