Matthew Boeck, 29, of Howell, Michigan, was found dead on November 16, 2018, in a wooded area near Lewiston while hunting on state land during Michigan’s firearms deer season. He had been sitting in a nest of pine and oak trees off a utility right-of-way for the second day of the season. Another hunter, positioned about 75 yards away, fired at what he believed was a buck near a bait pile between them. The bullet, from a 30-30 lever-action rifle, missed the intended target and struck Boeck in the left temple; he is believed to have died almost instantly.

Boeck was discovered early the next morning beside his stool, wearing camouflage hunting clothing and a hunter orange stocking cap that was reportedly covered by other hoods. His stepfather began a search when Boeck did not return to the cabin and contacted authorities around midnight. Michigan State Police and the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Department, with state conservation officers, investigated. The hunter who fired was identified, and the Oscoda County Prosecutor reviewed the evidence but concluded criminal charges were not warranted; the incident was ruled a tragic hunting accident.

Did anyone who hunted that area during the 2018 season notice unusual activity or have additional information about that day?