Utah DWR: Turkey hunter near decoys shot by other hunter | Gephardt Daily

UTAH, April 30, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division has revealed that one turkey hunter was shot by another during opening weekend of the hunting season.

“Opening weekend should be about the thrill of the hunt and the quiet of the woods,” the news release says. “Instead, it served as a harrowing reminder of how quickly a mistake can turn a hunt into a tragedy.

“During the opening of the limited-entry turkey season, a hunter was shot and required emergency medical treatment. The victim was positioned in vegetation behind their decoys. Another hunter, spotting the decoys, stalked in and fired—hitting the hunter concealed behind them.”

Unlike most big game seasons, turkey hunting does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, the release says.

“This makes visual identification your #1 responsibility. ‘I think it’s a bird’” isn’t good enough. You must positively identify the beard and the bird.

“Every round has a destination. If your target is in thick brush or near decoys, be aware of the ‘blind spots’ behind them.”

If you hear a gobble or see movement, wait, the statement says.

“Never fire at a flash of color or a movement in the brush. If you see another hunter approaching your setup, do not move. Speak up in a loud, clear voice to announce your location.

“The goal is to bring home a bird, but the priority is making sure everyone makes it home for dinner. Stay sharp, stay visible when moving, and always—always—confirm your shot.”

No additional information was released about the location of the shooting or the condition of the hunter hit.