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Bow hunter fatally shot in San Juan National Forest

A bow hunter was fatally wounded in the area of the Kilpacker Trail of Dolores County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. (Courtesy Scott Simmons)
Incident occurred Friday morning, Dolores County sheriff says

An archery hunter was fatally shot Friday morning in the San Juan National Forest near the Kilpacker trailhead north of Rico, according to the Dolores County Sheriff’s Office.

A news release from Sheriff Don Wilson on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, said the office received a call of a hunting accident about 10:48 a.m. Friday.

Sep 20, 2021
Arrest affidavit reveals details of fatal hunting incident in Dolores County

Two black powder rifle hunters wearing reflective clothing were hunting in the area, and an archery hunter was fatally wounded, according to the news release, time-stamped at 2:19 p.m.

“The incident is currently under investigation with our partners at Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, and San Juan National Forest law enforcement,” release stated. “Our search and rescue teams from Rico and Dove Creek are currently in the area with Dolores County Sheriff’s Office and Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office.”

No information on the victim or people involved were provided.

Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin said three deputies have been assigned to assist in the situation. Mounted patrol horses are also on standby.

The archery hunter was reportedly accidentally shot by one of the black powder rifle hunters, Nowlin said. The victim was not hunting with the other two hunters, he said.