Charges issued for hunting-related shooting incident in Huntington

Department of Fish and Wildlife The Vermont Warden Service issued charges today against Alex Gaudette, 25, of Bolton, for the hunting related shooting of James Cameron, 35, of Fairfax, in Huntington earlier this month.

Gaudette faces felony charges of aggravated assault (13 V.S.A. § 1024) and negligent use of a gun (13 V.S.A. § 4009). He also faces a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment (13 V.S.A. § 1025). Gaudette will answer to the charges in Chittenden County Court on September 22, 2022.

If convicted of aggravated assault, Gaudette could face up to 15 years of jail time and be fined up to $10,000, as well as losing his hunting license for five years. Additional convictions could add up to six years of jail time and up to $2,000 in fines.

Cameron remains at the University of Vermont Medical Center in stable condition.

---Updated September 12, 2022---

The Vermont Warden Service is actively investigating a hunting related shooting incident that occurred on Saturday, September 10, on private land in the town of Huntington.

Game Wardens with the Vermont Warden Service and Troopers with the Vermont State Police responded to the area along with medical personnel after a 911 call was placed by a third hunter on Saturday morning.

The victim, James Cameron (35) of Fairfax, VT, was walking to a tree stand in a wooded area off Main Road when he was struck in the abdomen by a single gunshot fired by another hunter, who claimed that he mistook the victim for a bear.

The victim was transported to University of Vermont medical Center where he remains in critical condition.

At the time of the incident none of the parties involved were wearing blaze orange, an important piece of safety equipment that hunters are highly encouraged to wear.

“These incidents are highly preventable and highlight the importance of positively identifying your target while hunting,” said Game Warden Detective Sergeant Robert Currier. “The Vermont Warden Service encourages hunters and the general public to wear blaze orange while in the field during Vermont’s hunting seasons.”

9.20.2022. MONTPELIER, Vt. – Vermont Agency of Natural Resources | Department of Fish and Wildlife