Hunter Accidentally Shoots Colleague During Drive Hunt in Upper Austria

Accidental Shooting During Michaelnbach Drive Hunt

A hunting excursion in Michaelnbach, in the district of Grieskirchen, Upper Austria, took a serious turn on Sunday, October 26, 2025, when a 62-year-old hunter accidentally shot his 67-year-old colleague. The incident occurred around 1:00 PM during a drive hunt, where the hunting party had surrounded a small, sloping wooded area to direct game onto an adjacent field.

Circumstances of the Shot

According to police reports, the 62-year-old hunter, who hails from Waizenkirchen, was positioned in a dip on a meadow. He aimed his shotgun at a hare passing approximately 30 meters away. However, the shot was reportedly deflected by a stone, altering its trajectory. The deflected pellets then struck the 67-year-old colleague, who was situated on a hill about 120 meters away, diagonally opposite the shooter.

Injuries and Medical Response

The injured hunter sustained two shotgun pellet injuries. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene. An emergency doctor provided initial medical treatment before the 67-year-old was transported to Klinikum Wels for further care. While the injuries were described as being of undetermined severity, they were not considered life-threatening.

Ongoing Police Investigation

The local police have launched an investigation into the incident. The focus of the inquiry is to determine the exact sequence of events and whether all safety regulations pertinent to hunting were observed. The 62-year-old shooter is currently under investigation for potential negligent bodily harm.