Hunter shoots friend after mistaking him for turkey

WHALEYVILLE, Md. (WBFF) - A hunter was injured on the Eastern Shore this weekend when he was accidentally shot by his companion.

James Henry Gilbert, 67, and Dennis Eugene Yoder, 66, of Parkton, were hunting on leased Chesapeake Forest Land in Whaleyville, Worcester County, Saturday morning, reported Maryland Natural Resources Police.

They split up to hunt about 50 yards apart from each other, with the line of sight obstructed by some small trees and brush, said police.

"Yoder saw movement, thought he saw the red and white coloring of a turkey and fired his 12-[gauge] shotgun," said Natural Resources Police in a statement.

After Gilbert yelled that he was shot, Yoder drove him to the hospital. Gilbert was treated for extremely minor injuries to his head, legs and hand at Dorchester General Hospital, said spokesperson Candy Thomson.

The case is being reviewed to see if charges will be pursued.