Liesel Casto, 12, of rural Traer lost her life in a hunting accident on December 27. According to information obtained from Kevin Baskins of the State DNR, “Liesel died after being struck by a bullet from a muzzle-loader rifle as she was preparing to hunt with others. The death is the first hunting fatality reported in Iowa during the 2014 season.” In a press release from DNR Media Contact Joe Wilkinson,” Investigation continues into a fatal hunting incident, which occurred Saturday morning in Tama County. The Department of Natural Resources and the Tama County Sheriffs Department responded to the call at about 7:40 AM along Ridge Road, west of Traer.” Liesel was a seventh grade student at GMG in Garwin. High School Principal Mark Polich said, “Liesel was a very special girl and will be missed at GMG by classmates and teachers. It was a very tragic accident.” Liesel was a member of the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Club. She was known for her love of horses and showing them at the Tama County Fair. She is survived by her parents, Josh and Joie Casto and brother Conner. The family lives east of Gladbrook and south on II Avenue.