Tragedy may prompt new hunting restrictions

August 9, 9:14 PMWashington Law ExaminerMichael Reitz

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Last week’s tragic shooting death of a hiker in Skagit County is prompting the state to explore new regulations of hunters, according to the Seattle Times. Pamela Almli, 54, was shot by a 14-year-old boy who mistook her for a bear. Currently, state law does not set a minimum age for hunting. New hunters must complete a hunter-safety course. 

State officials say that hunting deaths have been on the decline over the last two decades. This was the first accident in 25 years where a non-hunter was killed by a hunter. 

State Fish and Wildlife Director Jeff Koenings said told the Seattle Times the department will try to find ways to keep hunters and hikers out of the same areas during hunting season.  "As the state's population grows, and use of outdoor recreational areas increases, we must be sure we're doing everything we can to protect all users," he said.

Snohomish County officer Greg Rasar said it was "just a matter of time" until someone was accidentally shot. "We have tried all different kinds of ideas to educate people, but none of them were idiot-proof or bulletproof," he said.