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Teen hunter's death investigated as homicide

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The shooting death of a 14-year-old Colorado boy who was hunting with his father is being investigated as a homicide.

Justin Burns was reportedly bow hunting with his father Sunday near Big Creek Campground, on Grand Mesa, when he was shot in the chest. Burns was from Palisade.

"The circumstances surrounding the teen being shot remains a focus of this death investigation," the Mesa County Coroner's Office said in a statement Monday.

Investigators say they have identified the suspected shooter but have not released that person's name.

The Grand Junction Sentinel reported that the shooter remained at the scene "for a time," and is not a local resident and is not related to the teen. 

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, it is currently archery and muzzleloader season for various big game, and bear rifle season in many areas across the state.