My 7 year old nephew was shot by a hunter while playing on the school playground! About This Page:

[DebiDebiDebi]

My 7 year old nephew Nathan (DH sister's boy) was wounded (not seriously, Thank God) by a hunter who used incredibly poor judgement by hunting in an orchard that borders Nate's grade school. He was hit with lead shot at the base of his head, on his right temple, and in his right leg. The school initially tried to tell my SIL and BIL that Nathan had been hit by a snowball (never mind that a playground aide, several children and Nathan had reported that they all heard a shot) and the lead shot was "rocks that had been in the snowball". Removal of the lead shot has proven what they suspected...he had indeed been shot! The local sherrif has been less than helpful; he told my SIL an BIL, "Well, it is hunting season." My sister in law said she all but screamed at him, "It's hunting season for 7 year olds?!?!?!?!" Needless to say, this has been very upsetting for SIL, BIL, Nathan and his older brother Mike. I have suggested that they contact the media (they were interviewed tonight for coverage tomorrow) and also suggested they contact congressmen, state represenatives, etc. Any other suggestions? Thanks all!

[mrsmaup]

I agree that they should contact any media organization they can. They will jump on this like fire ants. If the local law is not being helpful, then I would move another way. if it is the sherrif's office not being helpful, then go to the police in whatever city the school is in OR whatever city they live in. If they cant/wont help, then go to the state police.

Im so thankful that your nephew is okay! In ND it is illegial to hunt ANYWHERE near a populated area. Hunting is confined to personal areas that are given out in a lottery and the areas are very specific as to when and how you may hunt. This seems to be more than bad judgement, this seems to be a total disregard for the safety of those around this hunter.

Praying your nephew recovers both physically and mentally quickly!!!

FWIW, my husband's best friend's cousin drown while fishing late last fall and the local yokel county sherrif did NOTHING to help find his body. Fact of the matter is that he is still in that lake under several feet of ice until spring. They wish they had complained to the media much earlier; his wife might have been able to at least put the funeral behind her.

((()))

[LilMarcieMouse]

<font color="blue">I am so sorry this has happend to the little guy.You seem to have covered the best of them. Media coverage is some of the best my be tey could contact Ophra. </font>

[kimdisneynut]

Prayers are on the way. I hope with the media coverage this will be a crime to hunt near a school.

Kim

[joyjoy]

Omg. I would wig completely out. Your SIL must be beside herself. And what's with the local authorities telling her "it's hunting season"?!? What kind of idiot would be shooting a gun that close to a schoolyard?

That poor boy and ya'll, the family. I am completely floored by this. Many prayers for him and you, too, Debi.

[statelady01]

I hope it all gets to come to light and prayers are with your family- hope Nathan recovers quickly!

[ProChristo]

Oh my goodness! You must all be so livid, and so relieved that Nate is okay. How absolutely terrifying! Usually hunters are so very careful (at least all the ones in my family are). It's sad (and infuriating!) that the the sherrif has taken such a low road here. At least they should evaluate if the guy was hunting in a designated area. I'll bet the media hype will have him singing a different tune tomorrow.

I'll keep Nate and your whole family in my prayers. Keep us posted.

[nightengale1824]

Boy did this bring back memories. I am so glad he is okay . When I was in high school some hunters were hunting in the field behind our house and shooting away at who knows what. There were some children playing in the back yard down the street from us and their father called the police who of course did not want to do anything.It finally took them shooting my dog in my back yard before they would come out and tell the people to stop. That is all they did and my dog was permanently paralyzed and eventually we had to put her to sleep. THe kids could have been the ones hit instead of my dog . Does it really take someone getting killed before they will do anything?? Tell them to definately stay on it and I will keep them in my prayers.

[chezp]

It's a relief to hear Nathan wasn't wounded more seriously. Do let us know how your SIL and BIL get on with the media - I hope the coverage helps to stop this happening to anyone else in the future.

[AKLRULZ]

Good Lord, that is horrifying! Debbie, you've given them great advice - tell them to keep vocal until someone listens. Contact all media outlets, all gov't officials - and an attorney!

Thank God he was not hurt seriously.

[DVC_Don]

Awful, stay vocal. With the sherrif saying that, call the state police.

[Colexis Mom]

Sending prayers to you all and especially Nathan, thank goodness he wasn't seriously injured! Definitely keep speaking up, you'd think they'd have a huge safety zone around a school!!

[Wendyismyname]

That is so scary!! I'm so sorry that happened, but so glad he wasn't seriously wounded! Keep us updated!

Wendy

[DebiDebiDebi]

Thanks all for your advise and support. I think Nate's biggest obsticle thus far has been the lack of support from those in authority ie:the school brushing it off and the sherrif's office. You can't help but wonder what this experience will do to his future opinion of those who are supposed to be on our side...a sad situation.

[MegglesMom]

Ohmigosh, how terrible! I cannot believe that something like that was allowed to happen!!! Sending lots of pixie dust that Nate gets well soon...