A man was shot in California Valley Thursday morning after being mistaken for a deer, according to Fish and Wildlife.
Patrol Lieutenant Todd Tognazzini says a group of deer hunters were in the area off Caliente Ridge Road near Cuyama when one of the men misidentified another man for a deer in the brush.
The victim, said to be in his 60s, was reportedly shot in the shoulder with a high-powered rifle.
Tognazzini says the man’s injuries appear to be non-life threatening. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Kern County.
The sheriff’s office responded, but handed the investigation over to Fish and Wildlife once foul play was ruled out, Tognazzini said, adding that he was unaware of any violations related to Thursday’s shooting.
The men involved were part of a group of five adults and one juvenile, according to Tognazzini, who says they are from out of the area.
