An early-season youth turkey hunt in Wisconsin took a serious turn on April 12, 2026, when a mentored hunt ended in an accidental shooting that left two people injured at the Honey Creek Wildlife Area.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a 3-year-old child—participating legally under the state’s mentored hunting program—discharged a 12-gauge shotgun under the guidance of an adult mentor. The mentor reportedly believed they had identified a turkey, based on movement and what appeared to be a fan.
The shot instead struck a nearby hunter and the hunter’s 7-year-old child. Both victims sustained pellet wounds to the upper body and were transported to a hospital. Authorities have confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening.
Investigation Ongoing
The DNR is actively investigating the incident. As of now, no charges have been filed, and the case has not yet been referred to a district attorney. Officials are still working to determine exactly what led to the misidentification and whether any laws or safety protocols were violated.
Legal Under Mentored Hunting Rules
Wisconsin is one of several states that allow very young hunters to participate through its mentored hunting program. Under current regulations:
- There is no minimum age requirement for mentored hunters
- The mentor must be within arm’s reach at all times
- Hunter education certification is not required for either the youth or the mentor in certain cases
In this situation, the hunt appears to have been conducted within the legal framework of the program, though the outcome is raising broader concerns.
A Familiar Risk in Turkey Season
Turkey hunting incidents involving misidentification are rare but well-documented across the country. Spring gobbler season presents unique visibility challenges, especially on public land, where hunters may encounter others using decoys or attempting to mimic turkey behavior.
Safety experts consistently emphasize:
- Positive target identification before pulling the trigger
- Avoiding shooting at movement or sound alone
- Exercising extra caution when hunting on public land
What This Means for Wisconsin Hunters
While this appears to be a tragic accident rather than intentional negligence, the incident is already sparking conversation among Wisconsin hunters about the structure of mentored hunting laws.
Key questions being discussed include:
- Whether there should be a minimum age for mentored hunters
- How to ensure consistent safety judgment by mentors
- Whether additional education or certification requirements should apply
For now, the investigation by the Wisconsin DNR will determine whether any enforcement action is warranted. In the meantime, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety discipline—especially during youth seasons designed to introduce the next generation to hunting.
Hunterizer will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Doesn’t matter what age, although I am against any kid hunting until at least 10. Sorry a 3 year old is not hunting. This was all on the mentor. The other thing .. the craze is using tail fans to stalk or draw attention, any smart hunter should know you don’t do that on public land.
A 3 year old shooting a 12 gauge? No way. DNR should have that 3 year old hold up that gun & pull the trigger.
Somebody that young hunting is totally asinine!! They have absolutely zero concept of anything that is going on, this is strictly for the mentors benefit. Similar to the deer hunting youth hunt when a five or six year old supposedly shoots a monster buck. There is a total lack of common sense with allowing someone this young to handle a firearm, I don’t care if they are sitting on a mentor’s lap. The DNR is strictly looking to bring in every dollar possible, not to get the youth involved in hunting, it’s all about getting every “buck” they can. There was nothing wrong with the 12 year old with hunter safety endorsed youth starting out…WHEN the season opener was the same for EVERYONE!!! Quit entitling today’s youth in every aspect, next thing will be 3 hours of work with 8 hours of pay. Use the common sense that God gave you, not what puts money in the DNR pocket!!!