On Saturday, November 11, 2023, a hunting accident in Guthrie County, Iowa, resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man from Chesterfield, Illinois.
The victim, identified as Seth Egelhoff, was participating in a waterfowl hunting trip at Bays Branch Wildlife Area, located approximately two miles north of Panora, Iowa. The incident occurred when Egelhoff was accidentally shot in the face by a colleague during the excursion.
Authorities were alerted to the accident after a 911 emergency call was received around 1:00 p.m., reporting a hunter with a gunshot wound to the face. In response, Panora Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were dispatched to the location. Despite the immediate medical attention and lifesaving efforts by the EMS team, Egelhoff succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead while being transported to an air ambulance.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Bureau, in coordination with the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Panora EMS, and the Iowa State Patrol, has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the specifics of the accident.
The DNR is emphasizing the importance of safety in hunting activities. They are advising all hunters to rigorously follow safety guidelines to avoid similar occurrences. The Bays Branch Wildlife Area remains accessible to the public, but hunters are reminded of the critical need to adhere to established hunting safety protocols.
