November 4, 2006

Argyle, Iowa - Collin McKay, 30, of Jefferson City, Mo., was injured on Saturday when he was hit by shot from another hunter while quail hunting in Lee County.

McKay was hunting with three others about a mile west of Argyle when another hunter in the party tripped, accidentally discharging his gun. The four hunters were lined up across from each other, walking a draw, when the incident happened. McKay was shot from approximately 20 yards and received pellets in his head, neck, hand and shoulder. He was air lifted in stable condition to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill. where he is expected to undergo surgery to remove the pellets. The incident happened shortly before noon.

According to Paul Kay, conservation officer on the scene, McKay was wearing safety glasses, which may have prevented a serious eye injury.

“Fortunately this accident was not more serious than it was,” said DNR Recreational Safety Supervisor Rod Slings. “It provides a good reminder to hunters to keep the safety of their gun on until it is time to shoot, always practice the safest gun carry with relation to other hunters in the field and know where the muzzle of the gun is pointing at all times.”