GONZALES COUNTY, Texas – EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story, based on information gathered at the scene, said deputies believed the hunter shot himself as he exited a deer stand. A news release received later, however, said it was his partner who was exiting the stand and did not make clear whose firearm fired the shot or how.

A hunter died in an apparent hunting accident Sunday afternoon at Independence Ranch near Waelder, Texas.

According to Gonzales County Chief Deputy Lynn Wilburn, the man was guest hunting on the ranch, which is approximately 80 miles east of San Antonio.

A news release sent out after the incident stated the 36-year-old man's hunting partner was climbing down from a deer stand when a firearm discharged. It's unclear whose firearm went off, or how.

Authorities believe the victim was hog hunting when the deadly accident happened. However, the property allows guests to purchase hunting packages for other animals.

Wilburn said investigators are looking into whether safety protocols were in place when the gun discharged.

The Texas Hog Hunts website states all hunters must abide by Texas Parks and Wildlife's hunter education requirements.

Authorities have not identified the man. Authorities said the man was from Houston.