A pack of hunting dogs shot an Iowa man as he went to retrieve a fallen pheasant, authorities said.
James Harris (37) was shot in the leg while hunting with some friends on Friday afternoon, a day before pheasant season officially opened.
The group shot a bird that landed on the other side of a fence, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said in a press release.
“Harris reportedly went to retrieve the bird, placed his gun on the ground and crossed the fence near the muzzle end,” the press release said.
“When he crossed the fence, hunting dogs stepped on the gun, which discharged and struck Harris in the left calf at a distance of roughly three feet.”
Harris was treated at a regional medical centre and later transported by helicopter to an Iowa City hospital. — AFP