An Iowa teenager died of injuries after being shot while squirrel hunting Sept. 27, 2025, in Washington County, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that a 17-year-old Iowan died after being shot while squirrel hunting in Washington County.

In a report released Sept. 29, 2025, the DNR said the accident happened Saturday, Sept. 27.

The squirrel hunting season runs from Aug. 30 to Jan. 31 in Iowa.

Learn more from the DNR:

BRIGHTON, Iowa – A 17-year-old squirrel hunter has died from injuries sustained in an accidental shooting by another hunter in rural Brighton. The incident occurred Saturday at approximately 3 p.m.

Carson Ryan, 17, of Washington, was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party and was struck in the back of the head. Ryan was transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the hunting incident in Washington County. The incident is currently under investigation.

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