This image shows the general location of where this accident took place. Map Credit: @2021 Google Maps.

This image shows the general location of where this accident took place. Map Credit: @2021 Google Maps.

UPDATE: Additional information has been released about this incident. Find those details here.

According to a press release from the Dolores County Sheriff's Office, a bowhunter was shot and killed by another hunter in Colorado on the morning of September 17.

Emergency crews were called to the area of Kilpacker Trailhead in southwestern Colorado's San Juan National Forest after 31-year-old Gregory Gabrisch, of Houston, Texas, was shot and killed, allegedly by Ronald J. Morosko, from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Morosko was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide. The incident remains under investigation.

The deceased hunter was archery hunting at the time he was shot. He was shot by a rifle. A report from FOX31 states that crews spent 10 hours looking for the hunter that had been shot before finding him.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a number of hunting seasons are currently underway, meaning hunter traffic is high during this time of the year.

In Colorado, most hunters are legally required to wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, including a hat or head covering that must be visible in all directions. Bowhunters do get some exceptions depending on the season and whether or not it overlaps with certain other seasons. Initial reports state that two hunters were wearing reflective clothing, but do not specify the gear of the bowhunter.

There are many laws that govern hunting in Colorado for the safety of those involved and for the well-being of the state's wildlife populations. It is crucial that anyone considering hunting is well-versed in all rules and regulations prior to entering the field. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has many online resources that detail these requirements.

STAY INFORMED: Sign-up for the daily OutThere Colorado newsletter here

Newsletters

Get OutThere

Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates.

(0) comments

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.