Brewer, Maine Woman Shot in the Knee by Hunting Companion

A bird hunting trip in Aroostook County took a bad turn when a member of the group accidentally shot a Brewer woman.

Brewer, Maine Woman Shot in the Knee During a Hunting Trip in Aroostook County

Amber Oaks, 31, of Brewer, is recovering after being shot in the knee by a hunting companion. She was traveling in a side-by-side with Danielle Fernald, 31, of Freeport, when the incident happened.

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Over the weekend, Oaks and Fernald were on a bird hunting trip in the Aroostook County town of Hamlin with several other people when she was injured in an accident.

Brewer, Maine, Woman Shot in the Knee By a Hunting Companion

According to the Maine Warden Service, four ATVs, carrying a total of six people, were traveling through the woods in a line. Suddenly, the lead ATV stopped, and one of the operators pursued a bird into the woods.

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Fernald, who was driving the last side-by-side in the line, reached for her firearm to follow. Wardens say Fernald accidentally bumped the butt of the loaded 12-gauge shotgun against the roll cage, which caused her hand to hit the trigger.

WABI-TV reports the victim was taken to Cary Medical Center in Caribou, where she had surgery to clean the wound.

Freeport, Maine, Woman Summonsed for Accidentally Shooting a Hunting Companion

Fernald was issued a summons for shooting from a motor vehicle, which, under Maine law, includes having a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Several hunting seasons are open in Maine, including bear hunting with dogs, upland bird hunting with firearms, and deer hunting with a bow and arrow.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has several hunter safety courses that are required before a new hunter purchases a license. Wardens say it's a good idea for experienced hunters to also take the course, from time to time, to refresh their skills.