A Knox hunter was shot on his own property Sunday after he was mistaken for a turkey by a neighboring hunter.
It happened around 6:30 a.m. in the area of 150 North and 500 East in Knox.
Earl Sponaugle, 52, was turkey hunting and looking for mushrooms on his property at the time, according to Indiana Conservation Officers.
A turkey hunter on a neighboring property reportedly saw white and thought it was the head of a male turkey. That hunter fired a single shot from a 12-gauge shotgun, striking Sponaugle in the right shoulder and ear.
Sponaugle was transported to Starke County Hospital, where he was treated and released.
The investigation is ongoing, and a report will be submitted to the Starke County prosecutor for review.
Indiana Conservation Officers stress the importance of proper target identification while hunting and being aware of what is beyond your intended target.
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