BRIGHTON, Iowa – A 17-year-old squirrel hunter, Carson Ryan of Washington, tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting in rural Brighton on Saturday, September 27, 2025, around 3 p.m. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), alongside the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the incident, which underscores the critical importance of hunter safety.

According to authorities, Ryan was struck in the back of the head by a shot fired by a member of his hunting party, who mistook him for a squirrel. Despite being rushed to UI Health Care Medical Center, Ryan succumbed to his injuries. The incident has left the tight-knit Brighton community in mourning and serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with hunting if proper precautions are not followed.

Hunting is a cherished tradition in Iowa but it comes with a responsibility to prioritize safety at all times. We urge every hunter to follow fundamental safety practices to prevent accidents like this.

The Iowa DNR is reinforcing key hunter safety guidelines in response to the incident:

1.  Always Identify Your Target: Hunters must positively identify their target and what lies beyond it before taking a shot. Mistaking a person for game, as occurred in this tragedy, is a preventable error.

2.  Wear Blaze Orange: High-visibility clothing, such as blaze orange vests or hats, significantly reduces the risk of being mistaken for wildlife. Iowa law requires hunters pursuing deer to wear blaze orange, and the DNR strongly recommends it for all hunters.

3.  Communicate with Your Party: Clear communication among hunting group members about locations and movements can prevent confusion and accidents.

4.  Treat Every Firearm as Loaded: Always assume a firearm is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and never rely solely on a safety mechanism.

5.  Complete Hunter Education: Iowa requires hunters born after January 1, 1972, to complete a hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license. These courses cover firearm safety, ethical hunting, and situational awareness.

The DNR noted that hunting accidents, while rare, often result from lapses in these basic safety principles. In 2024, Iowa reported 12 hunting-related incidents, with two fatalities, highlighting the need for vigilance. One accident is one too many,

The investigation into Ryan’s death is ongoing, with the DNR and Washington County Sheriff’s Office working to determine the circumstances of the accident. No further details have been released at this time.

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