Two hunters shot on first day of deer firearms season in western Minnesota

MOORHEAD — The Clay County and Norman County sheriff's departments are investigating separate hunting accidents on the opening day of the firearms deer season in Minnesota.

Shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, emergency personnel were dispatched to a report of a man who was struck by gunfire while hunting near the 4600 block of 90th Avenue N., north of Moorhead and south of Kragnes.

Deputies arrived to find a man who appeared to have a gunshot wound to the head, according to a Clay County Sheriff's press release. Clay County deputies and a responding Minnesota State Trooper immediately began administering first aid to the man.

When asked if the injuries appeared to have come from the victim's own hunting party or another hunter, Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting responded that more information would be released after the weekend.

Sanford Ambulance arrived and took over lifesaving efforts. Sanford AirMed was requested and its personnel assisted Sanford Ambulance and law enforcement with lifesaving efforts.

The 34-year-old man from Dilworth was taken to Sanford Hospital by AirMed. Empting told WDAY TV that he did not have an update on the man's condition Saturday afternoon, but described the injuries as serious.

Then, just before 11 a.m. Saturday, deputies in Norman County were called to an area north of Perley to help a 37-year-old hunter who had been shot.

The man was taken to a Fargo hospital by ambulance to be treated for a single gunshot wound.

Sheriff Ben Fall described the wound as non-life threatening.

Both incidents are under investigation and the sheriff's departments said no further information will be released at this time.

Forum reporter Tammy Swift contributed to this story.