Duck hunter injured by accidental gunshot

Two Cowlitz County men were duck hunting in a small boat in the Elochoman Slough on Sunday morning around 9:45 a.m., according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, when one of their shotguns accidentally fired, striking the other and causing serious injuries.

According to the press release, the incident happened when one hunter’s shotgun fell over from a propped up position while he was retrieving ducks from the water. In his attempt to retrieve the firearm, the shooter fired the weapon, striking the 53-year-old victim.

The shooter immediately called 911 and transported his friend to the Elochoman Slough Marina where they were met by the Cathlamet ambulance, a deputy from the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Department, and WDFW police.

The victim was transported to Longview and then flown to Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver where he is currently in stable condition recovering from his injuries.