Hunter shot outside Fort Liard, police investigate

Police are investigating after a hunter ended up being shot while on the land near Fort Liard.

RCMP said “a firearm incident” just after 10pm on Sunday left one man, a 49-year-old, with a gunshot wound that was serious but not life-threatening.

Police said they were not able to confirm the man had been shot by another member of the group, or whether the incident was accidental in nature.

However, the CBC reported a man named Frank Klondike identified himself as the man shot. Klondike said his brother had accidentally shot him in the stomach.

The man had been part of a three-person hunting party around 15 km from Fisherman Lake, west of Fort Liard.

He was brought to the local health centre and transferred by medevac to Yellowknife, said police, where he was reported to be in a stable condition.

Police are investigating what happened.

RCMP said alcohol was not believed to be a factor but urged hunters to take care.

“We are in hunting season and we can’t stress enough the importance to be extremely careful,” said Staff Sergeant Ken Beard.

“Make sure you are visible by wearing orange or other safety vest colours. Do not discharge your firearm over a roadway or from a vehicle. Ensure you have your confirmed target in sight.

“In general, let others know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Whether you are bow, crossbow or rifle hunting, do so in a safe and responsible manner.”

This is the second shooting in unusual circumstances to be reported in the Dehcho within the past week.

Last Friday, a wildlife officer reportedly shot a Fort Simpson resident by accident while pursuing a bear.