Iowa Man Fatally Shot While Hunting with Friends
In a tragic incident, Mark Arends, a 53-year-old Iowa resident, lost his life while on a coyote-hunting expedition with friends. The unfortunate event occurred on private land near the town of Alden, situated approximately 60 miles northeast of Des Moines, at around 8 p.m. on a Sunday evening.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources swiftly reported that Arends had been struck by a single rifle shot. The incident is currently under investigation, and as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
The hunters were positioned at a considerable distance from each other when the fatal shot took place. Tragically, Mark Arends was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. An autopsy is scheduled to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Coyote hunting typically takes place during the nighttime since these creatures are nocturnal. In order to track and hunt them, hunters often employ advanced technology, including thermal imaging scopes.
Captain Matt Bruner of the Department’s Law Enforcement Bureau emphasized the crucial importance of identifying one’s target before taking a shot. This practice becomes even more critical when hunting at night and relying on thermal technology.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of safety precautions in hunting, particularly during nocturnal pursuits, to prevent such tragic events from occurring.