More Details On Fatal Weekend Shooting

April 16, 2009

Turkey season was just barely open when a tragic confrontation between a North Carolina Wildlife Officer Mark Minton and a turkey hunter Clyde Coffey ended with the Minton shooting Coffey in self defense. Up until now little has been said from the officer’s perspective other then he fired in self defense. The Mountain Times has a law enforcement source that gives some additional details.

A law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity said, “During his patrol Minton discovered Coffey allegedly hunting turkey from a tree stand and baiting the birds underneath it, both illegal during Spring Turkey Season. Minton ordered Coffey to exit the tree to which the hunter allegedly responded that if he came down he would shoot Minton.”

Coffey reportedly exited the tree stand and began to advance on the officer, continuing to threaten him with his weapon as Minton repeatedly ordered him to stop. At some point Minton found himself unable to retreat any further and fired on Coffey.

Baiting turkeys is certainly illegal however the use of tree stands while unusual is not illegal. Well at least I can’t find it in the current regulation book.

Anytime anyone threatens another individual with a firearm it is reasonable for someone to take actions to eliminate the threat including deadly force;

Officer Minton remains on paid leave while the SBI continues their investigation into the fatal shooting.