ATV Florida Forum

Hey, I heard a man was shot and killed while turkey hunting in River Ranch recently. Anyone got any details?

That's terrible if true.

Man killed in hunting accident

Last Edited: Friday, 21 Mar 2008, 4:01 PM EDT
Created: Friday, 21 Mar 2008, 1:15 PM EDT

The shooting took place on the property of the River Ranch Acres Hunt Club in Lake Wales.
LAKE WALES - The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent accidental shooting at the River Ranch Acres Hunt Club.

Shane Hasting, 39, was out hunting for turkey with his 6-year-old son when he shot at a turkey with his 12-gauge shotgun.

When he went to see what he shot, he found he'd hit 49-year-old Randall Williamson with the birdshot and killed him.

Williamson was sitting in what is known as a "squatter's chair," wearing camouflage clothing, boots, mesh over his face, and holding a camouflage shotgun.

Detectives say they're treating the shooting as an accident and no charges will be filed

http://www.local6.com/news/15667578/detail.html

It was in the Lakeland Ledger.  You could probably find the article.

Man that sucks. Sorry to hear it.

 Yea the guy that shot him was hunting with his 6 year old son.  That is one thing I hate about hunting, too many folks out there without Safety training.

I feel bad for all parties involved. I know Turkeys have excellent vision but is it common practice in turkey hunting to shoot without actually seeing the bird?

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Although I am quite a gun enthusiast, I am not an avid hunter.

You never shoot without knowing what you're shooting at, knowing what's behind your target and knowing you can make a clean kill.

 Ye sir, one reason I went to Bow Hunting only... more pure and less folks out there with the "if its BROWN its DOWN" mentality.  Clean Kill shot is something most hunters seem to forget.

It seems only logical. Sad event.

I have never been hunting either but would like to one day.  I have heard conflicting theories as to where you should aim for a "clean shot".  I have heard aim for the neck but have also heard to aim for the heart.  Anyone have some advice?

Depends on what you're hunting for, what you're hunting with and where you are in relation to what you're going to shoot.

 Well when turkey Hunting you always want the HEAD!! At least the hunter had that part right. When deer hunting it depends on the Shot you have, the neck is a viable shot if the deer offers you nothing else. The Lung Heart shot is Ideal when you are afforded that as a clean shot. The neck shot can mess up the cape if you intend to mount the animal. READ READ READ before you go and be safe and aware of your surroundings. JMO
Scott

I wonder if the guy had a decoy out and that's what the hunter was shooting at? It would make alot more sense.

 I think that was the case.

I heard from some one out there and was told the shooter did shot at the decoy not a real bird.

10/22 ruger, No scope, 30yds, head shot......... thats my boy. ;D

(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6646/img006jb5tu3.jpg)



Know where YOUR bullet is going to stop, before shooting!  rule one

Nice!!!! You should be one proud big-daddy!!

Yeap....... boy can shoot. 3 hogs and 1 turkey last hunting season.  ;)

I HAVE KNOW THE GENTLEMAN THAT WAS KILLED AND HIS FAMILY FOR A LONG TIME ,TALKED TO HE'S FATHER INLAW TODAY,HE TOLD ME RANDY WAS SITTING IN A BLIND ,IN A CHAIR,WHEN HE WAS SHOT,THERE WERE NO DECOYS OUT,THEY THINK MAYBE HE WAS CALLING TURKEYS WHEN HE WAS SHOT BUT NOT SURE.ALSO HE SAID THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN UP TO THREE SHOOT FIRED AND THAT UP TO TWO MAY HAVE HIT HIM.HE WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE WITH NUMBER 1 BUCK SHOT(TO BIG FOR TURKEY HUNTING),THIS IS A VERY CLOSE FAMILY AND IF YOU WILL PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.

OMG... Buck shot??  That is hard to believe. They will definitely be in our prayers :'(

He is already there. 

Sorry to hear that... :(   I was wonder what shot he was using. The normal shot is 4 shot and max is BB. Not 0 buckshot!

Please tell the family that they are in my prayers. I think I can speak for everyone on this one.

confuscious say never go turkey hunting while wearing indian headdress

It can happen to you, so stay away from River Ranch!

It can happen anywhere it's sad that it had to happen at the Ranch but that's why you should practice safety. Saying stay away from River Ranch is a bit extreme I think!

 Thats like saying someone died at croom on a 4-wheeler....BETTER STAY AWAY.  :(

No, no, croom is fine, everyone go there, not River Ranch.

Please try to remember that this is about a life lost, not a petty argument.

Absolutely :'(

May you rest in peace, Randy.

He was a great guy.  Our shops are a block away.  I'm very close to his family. I try to be there with them as much as possible.  Please pray for them. 
I know it was an accident, but why was someone shooting into a bush without seeing what was there, that is pure stupidity. 

I agree

Its sad to hear but this happens more often then most people think. Im not talking about at the ranch but everywhere thats why i would go turkey hunting

Yea, stay away.

Croom's safe, no hunting.

If what peeps on here are saying is true, my guess is charges should be forthcoming. Culpable Negligence at the very least, thats crazy imo.

Has anyone heard anything more as far as what is happening to the shooter?

 I understand there are no charges pending. I also heard thet he was not shooting from a truck and he was not using buck shot and that only one shot hit him??  I have never heard so many conflicting stories.. The Sad reality is none of them matter the result is very sad and we (family and I ) feel very sorry for the families of all involved.

10-4

Well there should be

 There will probably be manslaughter brought up. JMO