Two brothers shot by family acquaintance who mistook them for turkeys

‘The shooter assisted in the first aid and rescue of the boys and has been cooperative during the investigation’

Photograph taken by authorities at the scene of the accident ((West Virginia Natural Resources Police))

Two brothers were shot by a family acquaintance after being mistaken for turkeys, authorities said.

The brothers, a 7-year-old and a 20-year-old, were hunting in Camp Creek State Park, in West Virginia on Tuesday, when the accident occurred.

The West Virginia Natural Resources Police said in a Facebook post that the victims were hunting in the same area as a family acquaintance.

“The brothers were hunting a section of Camp Creek that borders some private property and encountered a family acquaintance hunting the same area,” it read.

The authorities confirmed that in a moment of confusion, the acquaintance mistook the brothers for turkeys.

“On a heavily-forested ridge mixed with White Oaks and Pines, the acquaintance mistook movement of the boys as a turkey and fired at the brothers,” the authorities said.

Both the brothers suffered gunshot wounds, and the 7-year-old was airlifted to the Charleston Area Medical Centre, whilst the older brother was treated at the scene.

Both are in stable condition, and the authorities added that “the shooter assisted in the first aid and rescue of the boys and has been cooperative during the investigation.”

In their post, they asked local residents to be more careful when hunting, especially when the conditions lead to poor vision.

“The excitement of the hunt, poor visual conditions and the hunter not following proper shooting guidelines can turn an enjoyable day a field into a tragedy,” the post read.

“The WV DNR asks that you please make safety your first concern while outdoors, your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the ones you love depend on it.”