coyote

Coyote

(File photo)

OREGON TWP, MI - A man trying to protect his chickens from coyotes has died after shooting himself in a hunting accident, according to police.

Lapeer County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched around 10:18 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15, to Peters and Flint River roads near Columbiaville for a man found dead from a gunshot wound in the woods behind his home.

Police said the 67-year-old male victim, whose name has not been released, had been coyote hunting during the morning hours of the past week behind his home.

The man had been hearing coyotes and was concerned they could pose a threat to his chickens, according to police.

The man was hunting alone Monday morning with a metal-frame treestand about 15 feet above the ground, according to police. The man was on the ladder portion of the stand with a loaded shotgun in his hands when he and the gun fell.

Police said the shotgun discharged, striking the victim.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after family members discovered his body after hearing a gunshot and not being able to contact the victim on his phone.

The case remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.