WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – State wildlife officials say a South Florida hunter was likely mistaken for a boar by a friend who accidentally shot and killed him.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials tell The Palm Beach Post that Ernie Small Jr. likely mistook his friend Clinton Haas of Loxahatchee for a boar while they were hunting Thursday night near Jupiter.
Haas' shooting was ruled accidental, though wildlife officials say their investigation remains open.
Haas' wife says he had gone out with Small to spread corn feed to attract boars. Haas was a licensed hunter and had previously caught boar, even bringing one home for his family to eat.
Wildlife officials say hunters help eliminate boar that destroy property by digging up the ground for roots and insects to eat.
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