Dog Triggers Shotgun Blast, Killing Owner in Freak Hunting Accident

HOUSTON — A tracking dog apparently stepped on a loaded shotgun in the bed of his owner\’s pickup truck, firing a fatal blast into the man\’s thigh during a goose hunt, officials said.

Chambers County sheriff\’s investigators said Price, 46, was hunting on a lease near Stowell, about 60 miles east of Houston, when he shot down a goose.

Price then set the gun in the back of his truck and was about to open the tailgate to release his tracking dog when the shotgun fired, investigators said. The blast penetrated the truck\’s tailgate before hitting Price.

Paw prints from the dog, a chocolate Labrador retriever named Arthur, were found on the muddy shotgun, Sheriff Joe LaRive said. Daniel Groberg, Price\’s hunting partner, said he tried to stop the bleeding with clothing before driving him to seek help.