Teen Hunter Who Killed Hiker to Spend 30 Days in Juvenile Detention

Tyler Kales, the 14 year old boy who accidentally shot Pamela Almli while she was on the popular Sauk mountain hiking trail north of Seattle was sentenced to 30 days in juvenile detention and 120 hours of community service (which must include 4 hours of gun safety education). This concludes (at least legally) a terrible story of hunter/hiker interaction that inflamed both communities and prompted some in Washington State to request an age limit for hunting be re-instituted.

Unfortunately, many believe that a tragedy like this was inevitable. That close calls between hunters and hikers were leading in this direction.

About a year before Almli was shot, a couple hiking on Mount Higgins, Frank and Val Herbert, heard gunshots while they were on their way down the trail, Engelson said.

Frank Herbert yelled to alert the shooter that hikers were approaching. The shooter refused to stop and told the Herberts to find another way down the mountain.

“I’ve hiked for years on thousands of miles of trails and this was the first time I’ve ever been truly afraid,” Frank Hebert told Engelson.

The Herberts reported the incident to Forest Service employees, who said there was nothing they could do.

- MSNBC

The statistical chance of something happening may be low, but I personally don’t see a reason to risk it. During hunting season I avoid outdoor areas that permit hunting, and instead support and visit those areas that don’t allow hunting.

If you do go hiking where others are hunting, please take precautions such as wearing blaze orange and making noise while you hike – and please don’t forget about your companion animals!  Drape them in bright colors as well.