Press Release
December, 6, 2016
Contact: WFF Law Enforcement, 334-242-3467
Illegal Deer Hunt Leads to Death ofFlomaton Woman
In the wake of Alabama’s first fatal firearms hunting accident this season,the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries cautions the publicon the consequences of violating hunting laws. Thirty-one-year-old ShannonHeath Bell of Flomaton, Ala, has been charged with hunting from a public road,hunting at night, hunting from motor vehicle and hunting without a permit, allof which represent serious threats to public safety. Even more critical, itappears his actions led to the death of another person.
At approximately 6 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, Bell and 35-year-old DonnaLoraine Martin, also of Flomaton, were illegally deer hunting from a compactpickup truck on County Road 40 near Pollard Landing in Escambia County.According to a preliminary hunting accident report, Bell was pulling a rifleout of the vehicle, stock first, when it discharged, hitting Martin in thestomach. She was taken to Brewton Hospital where she later died in surgery.
Conservation Enforcement Officer David Smith says that most firearms-relatedhunting accidents are self-inflicted or involve members of their own huntingparty. “Any hunting accident is a tragedy,” he said, “but when the parties knoweach other, it can be particularly difficult for both families.
“This accident could have been prevented,” said Smith. "Hunting is one ofthe safest outdoor activities you can participate in—if it’s done in compliancewith the law and following all safety rules.”
The incident remains under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’sOffice and the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
The public is asked to report hunting and fishing violations at 1-800-272-4263(GAME).
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wisestewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources throughfour divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife andFreshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
December, 6, 2016
Contact: WFF Law Enforcement, 334-242-3467
Illegal Deer Hunt Leads to Death ofFlomaton Woman
In the wake of Alabama’s first fatal firearms hunting accident this season,the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries cautions the publicon the consequences of violating hunting laws. Thirty-one-year-old ShannonHeath Bell of Flomaton, Ala, has been charged with hunting from a public road,hunting at night, hunting from motor vehicle and hunting without a permit, allof which represent serious threats to public safety. Even more critical, itappears his actions led to the death of another person.
At approximately 6 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, Bell and 35-year-old DonnaLoraine Martin, also of Flomaton, were illegally deer hunting from a compactpickup truck on County Road 40 near Pollard Landing in Escambia County.According to a preliminary hunting accident report, Bell was pulling a rifleout of the vehicle, stock first, when it discharged, hitting Martin in thestomach. She was taken to Brewton Hospital where she later died in surgery.
Conservation Enforcement Officer David Smith says that most firearms-relatedhunting accidents are self-inflicted or involve members of their own huntingparty. “Any hunting accident is a tragedy,” he said, “but when the parties knoweach other, it can be particularly difficult for both families.
“This accident could have been prevented,” said Smith. "Hunting is one ofthe safest outdoor activities you can participate in—if it’s done in compliancewith the law and following all safety rules.”
The incident remains under investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’sOffice and the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
The public is asked to report hunting and fishing violations at 1-800-272-4263(GAME).
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wisestewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources throughfour divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife andFreshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
