Times Herald

A 67-year-old man fatally shot himself Monday in a hunting accident while trying to protect his chickens from coyotes, according to a statement from the Lapeer County Sheriff Department.

The man was found dead in a wooded area of his residence in Oregon Township shortly after 10:15 a.m. Monday.

The man had been hunting coyotes for about a week after hearing the animals and fearing they posed a threat to his chickens. The man fell from a tree stand while holding a loaded shotgun, according to the statement.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene off Peters Road.

The case remains under investigation. Foul play is not suspected.