Deer hunter accidentally shoots self, dies in Portland

BURLINGTON, Snow Hill:

The Portland police are probing what is believed to be the accidental shooting death of a man arising out of a deer-hunting incident that went horribly wrong.

A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, told The Gleaner that based on preliminary investigations, David Watkin, a deer hunter, allegedly slipped and his shotgun accidentally went off, resulting in his death.

According to the police, Watkin was among a group of hunters from Montego Bay who were hunting deer in Snow Hill shortly before 7 a.m. Sunday when the incident happened.

The police said that Watkin was walking downhill in the rugged terrain of Burlington, holding the gun by its barrel, when he slipped and the gun reportedly went off, hitting him in the shoulder.

Watkin was taken to the Port Antonio Hospital, where he died.

The police said that they are treating the incident as an accidental shooting.

The heavily vegetated area of Burlington is a favourite hunting ground for connoisseurs of deer, which is considered to be a delicacy in some circles and is in high demand during the Easter, Independence, and Christmas holidays.

Gareth Davis