Conservation Officer McManus was patrolling Colliers Mills WMA on the morning of the last pheasant stocking. He was flagged down by two hunters who had just been shot in the face. CO McManus provided first aid until Jackson Township EMTs arrived. The victims were treated on scene, but refused to be transported to the hospital. After being treated, they took CO McManus to the location where they were shot. While at the scene, the victims explained what had occurred. They also stated they had confronted the alleged shooter. The shooter denied responsibility and, at the urging of his hunting partner, quickly left the scene. Later, while still at the scene, two hunters approached CO McManus and said they had witnessed the incident. Several days later, CO McManus and the victims met with a New Jersey State Police sketch artist. The trooper drew a picture of the shooter based on the description given by the victims. The following week, CO McManus patrolled Colliers Mills WMA, passing out copies of the drawing of the shooter and searching for additional witnesses to the incident. CO McManus met two men that fit the description of the alleged shooter and his companion. When CO McManus questioned the two individuals, the one matching the description of the shooter blurted out, "Someone accused us of shooting them". CO McManus contacted one of the victims. He came out and positively identified the shooter. The investigation is still pending at this time.
