Vermont hunter faces charges after shooting man he thought was bear

A Vermont hunter is facing charges for allegedly shooting and critically injuring another hunter earlier this month he said he mistook for a bear.

The incident occurred on private land on September 10 and seriously injured 35-year-old James Cameron.

Cameron was reportedly walking to a tree stand in a wooded area when he was struck in the abdomen by a single gunshot fired by Alex Gaudette, 25, who claimed he mistook the victim for a bear. 

A third hunter called 911.

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Cameron was taken to University of Vermont Medical Center where he was treated for his wound on the lower portion of his left abdomen. He remains in “serious condition” the Fish and Wildlife Department stated in a press release.

None of the men were wearing blaze orange, a color strongly encouraged for hunters in Vermont, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

“These incidents are highly preventable and highlight the importance of positively identifying your target while hunting,” Game Warden Detective Sergeant Robert Currier said in a statement shared by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

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Gaudette faces aggravated assault and negligent use of a gun charges. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment.

If convicted, Gaudette could face up to15 years of jail time and a fine of up to $10,000. He also may lose his hunting license for five years.