A Fallen MS Deer Hunter

An article taken from the Vicksburg Evening Post on Tuesday, October 10, 2007.

A Utica man, described as a hard worker and family man, was found dead after apparently falling from a deer stand while hunting said Hinds County Deputy Coroner Sammy White.

James Michael “Joe” Sigrest, 58, of Reedtown Road, was bow hunting on property he owned off Chatman Road south of Utica. He was believe to have been alone. His stepson, Scott Dooley, found his body at about 7:30 p.m. White said. His death was caused by blunt trauma to the head, he added.

“The tree stand was about 15 feet from the ground,” White said.

Dooley said that his stepfather died doing what he loved.

“He was an avid bow hunter,” he said. “He enjoyed all the things outdoors that nature has to offer.”

Sigrest had been retired from U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for three years. While retired, he spent time hunting and working on the family farm, Dooley said. He also spent time teaching his seven grandchildren about the outdoors.

“He was a hard worker and had a great love for his family,” Dooley said.

In addition to his stepson and grandchildren, Sigrest is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pat Sigrest; stepson, David Dooley; and step daughter, Paige Turbbille.


It’s so sad to read about a deer hunter’s tragedy which could have been prevented if he had only been wearing his safety belt. The fact that he was hunting alone is another issue. You need to have a hunting buddy with you, if possible. My husband was lucky to have had his safety belt on when he fell from his tree stand some 15 feet above the ground. One of the wells broke from his “Big Man” tree climber. He lost his balance and was slammed up against the tree he was hunting out of. He broke his first and secondary ribs, knocked his tooth loose, which he later lost, and wrenched his back. He is alive today because he had his safety belt on and the fact that he was hunting with a hunting buddy who was not far from him and heard the noise. You need to take safety precautions while hunting and make sure your equipment is in good condition and wear your safety belt! It will save your life!