Darby, a two-year-old English Pointer, was injured by a broadhead-tipped arrow while hunting in a public walk-in area north of WaKeeney, Kansas on Saturday. Additional coverage of this same incident

The injury occurred during a hunt that included five people and unfolded over roughly an hour; the dog was taken to a veterinary clinic and is now recovering after surgery. Big Creek Veterinary Services assessed and treated Darby’s wound, and the owner described a tense transport to care. Hunters are encouraged to use illuminated nocks for arrows to help prevent such accidents in the future. What safety precautions should hunters take to ensure the safety of dogs while hunting

According to the account provided to Outdoor Life, the moment unfolded suddenly when Darby let out a howl after being struck. “I just happened to tone her at the same instant she started screaming,” said Rusty Ullery, a hunting participant. He added, “It was absolutely nerve-racking.” Such accidents can be exacerbated when hunters overlook safety protocols.

Ullery was hunting with a small group that included his son, Deuce Ullery. After the dog vocalized, members of the party moved to her side and then transported her to veterinary care. Big Creek Veterinary Services, the clinic that treated Darby, evaluated and provided the medical intervention that led to the dog’s current recovery status. What types of injuries are most common for hunting dogs, and how can they be prevented

Photographs taken during the drive to the clinic captured Darby’s frightened expression, a detail Ullery noted afterward. The incident left the hunting party shaken but focused on getting the dog prompt treatment. Ullery later described feeling relief as Darby began to mend, an emotional response echoed in the group’s actions that day.

Darby’s recovery following surgery was confirmed by the veterinary team; the dog’s condition has since progressed to a recuperative phase as she rests and heals. Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft, a veterinarian at Big Creek Veterinary Services, assessed and treated Darby’s injury and oversaw her post-operative care. How does hunting with dogs impact wildlife populations and ecosystems?

Ullery framed the event as a freak accident and spoke about his response to the situation: “I wasn’t mad at all when it happened and I’m still not mad,” he said, reflecting on the shock of the moment and the work that followed to ensure Darby’s recovery.

The account of the incident and the details of Darby’s treatment were shared with Outdoor Life, which published the first detailed narrative of what happened that day. The clinic’s involvement and the owner’s quick actions were central to the dog’s current condition.

For now, Darby is recuperating from surgery and receiving follow-up care as recommended by her veterinarian. Ullery described a strong sense of relief as the dog stabilized under professional care, and the party returned to tending to their birds and dogs with Darby’s welfare at the forefront.

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Original reporting: view the original article.