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A heartbreaking tragedy struck the hunting community in Butte County, California, after two young duck hunters went missing in early December.
ABC10 reports that a second body was discovered Sunday morning along the west bank of the Thermalito Afterbay.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that someone walking along the shoreline found the body just after 9 a.m. Authorities have not yet released a positive identification.
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The victims, identified as 19-year-old Andrew Cornett and his 17-year-old brother Wesley Cornett, were hunting ducks when disaster struck.
Wesley reportedly fell into the water while trying to retrieve a duck. Andrew immediately went in after him to attempt a rescue, but both brothers were ultimately overcome by the water.
Search teams recovered Andrew’s body on New Year’s Eve. The discovery of the second body Sunday brings a somber close to the search efforts.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers waterfowl hunters can face, even during routine hunting trips. Hunters are urged to prioritize safety measures, including wearing life vests and being cautious near water.
Our thoughts go out to the Cornett family and the entire hunting community affected by this loss.
[H/T: ABC10 News]
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
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– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
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