Man mistakes fellow hunter for turkey

Missouri Department of Conservation officials are investigating a Tuesday accident in which an Arkansas man shot another hunter after mistaking him for a turkey in Wayne County.

James Clubb, 35, of Williamsville, Missouri, was treated and released from Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

A former Butler County, Missouri, corrections officer and current Van Buren, Missouri, police officer, Clubb allegedly was shot by Craig Zimmer, 51, of Paris, Arkansas, said Mike Lancaster, district supervisor for the conservation department's protection division.

"Mr. Clubb took about 18 pellets to the left side of his face and neck, left arm and left thigh," Lancaster said. "He took a couple pellets in the left thigh."

Clubb's injuries could have been "a lot worse," Lancaster said. "Even bird shot can be devastating at any distance."

Lancaster said Clubb was struck with bird shot close to his eyes.

Another half-inch, and "he could have been easily blinded," Lancaster said.

The shooting, Lancaster said, took place about 7:30 a.m. on U.S. Forest Service land in a remote area about a quarter-mile west of the new U.S. 67.

Lancaster was not sure of the exact location but planned to accompany Clubb there on Friday morning.

"They were not hunting together, but they ended up in the same area," said Lancaster, who indicated both were hunting with companions.

"Both men were actively calling," Lancaster said. "Mr. Zimmer had seen a hen and gobbler in the area about a half-hour prior."

Zimmer, Lancaster said, shot at what "he thought was red-and-black color and movement where Mr. Clubb was set up in another area calling."

The hunters, he said, described the distance as about 60 yards.

"Mr. Clubb yelled," Lancaster said. "As soon as he did, Mr. Zimmer ran to his aid, and he actually drove him to the hospital in Poplar Bluff."

Lancaster said this is the first hunting accident in the southeast region since turkey season opened April 20.