Person airlifted after hunting accident near Morganton

MORGANTON, N.C. — A duck hunter was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte after a hunting accident near Morganton Saturday morning, officials say.

A sergeant with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said the accident happened between 8 and 8:15 a.m Saturday on the Johns River Game Land in Burke County.

The victim was a duck hunter out hunting with a permit. Officials said the victim was leaving his hunt when he was shot through the left shoulder from behind with a high-powered rifle.

Officials said the victim is lucky to be alive and expected to be OK. He will need reconstructive surgery to his shoulder.

Early investigations indicate that a deer hunter, who was also permitted, shot the victim accidentally. Officials said the deer hunter mistook the victim for a deer.

Charges are expected in this case, but officials say they are waiting to ensure the victim’s condition continues to improve.

Reporter Dave Faherty first broke the story on Twitter, saying the accident happened off of Duckworth Drive.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officials continue to investigate the accident.

Check back with Channel 9 for more as this story develops.

Cox Media Group