HERALD STAFF REPORT

newsroom@njherald.com

ALLAMUCHY — A 47-year-old hunter fell approximately six feet into an open sewer drain Friday night after allegedly shooting a deer with a bow and arrow in violation of the state’s 150-foot safety zone for bowhunting in residential areas.

The man, who sustained a head injury in the accident, later was flown to Morristown Medical Center.

Authorities were alerted to the accident, which occurred in a wooded area near the intersection of Old Allamuchy Road and County Road 517, shortly after 8 p.m. Friday.

Members of the Hackettstown Police Department, Hackettstown Rescue Squad and Hackettstown Fire Department arrived on the scene minutes later, as did paramedics from Saint Clare’s Health, where they observed the man in the sewer drain.

Firefighters and rescue squad volunteers rescued the man shortly afterward and transferred him to an Atlantic Ambulance helicopter.

Through a preliminary investigation, police determined that the man fell into the sewer drain while he and another person were attempting to retrieve the deer’s carcass. Although the man has not yet been charged, police indicated that it was determined through further investigation that he was hunting in illegal proximity to a nearby apartment building.

State law requires those engaged in bowhunting on lands to be at least 150 feet from a residential dwelling, and at least 450 feet from a school playground.

Those hunting with firearms must also do so from a minimum of 450 feet away from a residential building or school playground.

The matter remains under ongoing investigation by police, who are being assisted by the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.