I have blogged several times over the years that a “dead deer can kill you,” so be careful when you walk up on a buck you just shot. Every time I do, some tough guys send me snide comments of how ridiculous that sounds, and what a wuss I must be.

Really?

From Ky3.com:

“I’ve worked for the Game and Fish Commission for 20 years, and it’s one of the stranger things that’s happened,” said Keith Stephens, the Chief of Communications with the agency.

Officials said 66-year-old Thomas Alexander shot a buck with his muzzleloader while hunting near Yellville (Marion County).

When he walked up to the buck, it attacked.

“It got back up, and he had several puncture wounds on his body,” Stephens said.

It is unclear whether Mr. Alexander died from the wounds or from a heart attack caused by the attack. Prayers to his family.

This is a tragedy and an admittedly rare one, but it can happen.

To prevent it:

  • After you shoot a buck, wait 30 minutes or so before approaching it, even if you can see it and know it’s dead.
  • Re-load your muzzleloader/slug gun/rifle, and be on your toes as you walk up to a buck. Bowhunters approach carefully!
  • Approach a fallen buck from behind…look at its eyes…poke it hard several times in the rump with the tip of your bow or gun barrel to make sure it’s dead.