The incident involved five hunters, ages 13 to 18, who were on private property in the 64000 block of U.S. Highway 97 about 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

A 15-year-old male had gone into a marsh to retrieve a goose shot by one of his party. His departure went unnoticed, and an 18-year-old shot at the movement in the marsh, thinking it was a bird, according to Yakima County Sheriff's deputies.

The boy was hit in the face with steel birdshot from about 30 feet away, deputies said.

After realizing their mistake, the group called 9-1-1 and carried their friend back to the roadway, where they waited for help to arrive.

The 15-year-old was treated on scene by emergency personnel and taken by ambulance to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. He was later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where deputies say his wounds are not life-threatening.

Deputies don't expect to file charges, adding that alcohol does not appear to be appear to be a factor in the accident.

-- Rod Antone