In the world of hunting—marked by its thrilling pursuit and deep respect for nature—tragedy sometimes strikes in the most unexpected ways.
On December 9 in Lunenburg County, Virginia, a situation unfolded that reminds us of the unpredictable nature of the outdoor hunting experience. Lester C. Harvey, 58, an avid outdoorsman from Phenix, Virginia, tragically passed away following a rare accident during a bear hunt.
As reported by state wildlife officials, Harvey was part of a hunting group that had tracked a bear up a tree. In a moment that turned perilous, a partner in the group fired at the bear, causing it to fall—landing fatally on Harvey, who was positioned approximately 10 feet away from the tree.
Despite immediate first aid efforts by his fellow hunters and being rushed to two different hospitals, Harvey succumbed to his injuries. Known as a devoted husband, father of five, and grandfather of eight, Harvey’s passion for the outdoors was as strong as his role as a self-employed contractor. Similar incidents highlight the inherent risks in hunting.
In 2018, a hunter in Alaska faced serious injury when his partner shot a bear, dislodging it—and rocks—down a slope onto him. Another incident in 2019 in North Carolina saw a hunter bitten and both hunter and bear tumbling off a cliff after the bear was shot from a tree. These accounts serve as solemn reminders to our community of hunters to continuously hone their skills, be vigilant, and prioritize safety.
At Hunting Magazine, we are committed to providing our audience—whether seasoned hunters or those just embarking on their journey—with the information, resources, and education necessary to enjoy hunting responsibly.
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