Georgia DNR Investigating Fatal Hunting Incident in Wheeler County

A 23-year-old man was shot and killed early Saturday morning during what Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials say was illegal hunting activity in Wheeler County.

According to a Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division news release, Game Wardens were called by the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 to investigate a fatal hunting incident near Spring Hill Road.

DNR said its preliminary investigation indicates the 23-year-old victim was shot and killed during illegal hunting activity involving five adults.

Game Wardens arrested Howard Benjie Hartley, 57, of Glenwood. According to DNR, Hartley was charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, hunting deer at night, hunting from a motor vehicle, and hunting big game from a public road.

DNR has not released the name of the victim or provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The agency’s Critical Incident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation. DNR said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Georgia Afield will update this story if additional details are released.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division