Mature elk herds make for a coveted hunting permit at Lone Mesa State Park.
Mature elk herds make for a coveted hunting permit at Lone Mesa State Park.du1-i-syn

A hunting fatality occurred Sunday in Hunt Unit 5, according to a Nov. 7 news release from the Navajo Nation.

“Details on the incident cannot be released at this time,” it stated. An investigation is being conducted by the Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Gloria Tom, department manager for Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, stated their department “extends its condolences to the victim’s family and to the individual involved in the incident.”

They remind hunters of the basic firearm safety rules while handling firearms and while hunting. The Navajo Nation reminded all hunters to follow all reservation hunting laws and regulations.

Basic firearm handling and hunting safety rulesTreat every firearm as if it is loaded. Always point your muzzle in a safe direction. Be sure of your target and beyond. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.