The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

State News

November 24, 2009

Three hunters die during gun season’s start

By the Associated Press

CHARLESTON — Two more hunters have died of heart attacks during the state’s buck gun season, the Division of Natural Resources said Tuesday.

The agency initially had reported one hunting-related fatal heart attack. All three deaths occurred Monday.

Cumberland, Md., resident Charles Wilkinson, 67, was stricken while dragging a deer with a four-wheeler in the Germany Valley-North Mountain area in Pendleton County, the DNR said. According to the agency, another hunter tried to revive Wilkinson for an hour.

The DNR said a family member found Moorefield resident Randall Whetzel, 45, dead in his vehicle about 6 p.m. Monday in Hardy County.

Earlier, DNR had reported that Berkeley Springs resident Curtis Lane Walker, 73, died while hunting in Morgan County.

A fourth hunter was listed in stable condition after he slipped and shot himself in the ankle, DNR said.

The deaths marred a promising start to the state’s main hunting season.

“We’ve had two nice days,” DNR biologist Jeff McCrady said. “There’s been quite a few deer brought in.”

The agency doesn’t expect more information on hunter success until several days after the seaon ends Dec. 5.

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