A hunter whose shot missed a black-tailed deer but struck and seriously wounded a 43-year-old Medford hunter Sunday near Howard Prairie told police he could not see the victim through thick brush when he fired, authorities said.

The high-caliber rifle bullet tore into Glen Bogart's back and traveled out one of his arms during the 2:15 p.m. shooting near Dead Indian Memorial Road and Big Elk Road, according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said Bogart was shot by Cole Reeves, 36, of Klamath Falls.

"It appears to be accidental," Winters said.

Reeves told sheriff's deputies he shot once at a deer that he and his unidentified hunting partner both saw, sheriff's Sgt. Colin Fagan said. But the shot missed, with the bullet traveling into thick brush behind the animal, Fagan said.

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The brush made it impossible for either party to see each other at the time of the shooting, Fagan said Monday.

"When (Reeves) fired, he didn't know anybody was down there," Fagan said.

Members of both hunting parties did not know each other and none wore blaze-orange clothing, Fagan said.

Though bright orange clothing helps identify hunters in the field, it is not required in Oregon as it is in 40 states, according to the International Hunter Education Association.

More interviews were planned for today, and the case will be forwarded to Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston for review and possible criminal charges, Fagan said.

The shooting could be considered reckless or negligent, Fagan said.

"For anyone shooting a firearm anywhere in a public place, you have to know your target and beyond," Fagan said. "When you don't, this is what happens, and you can't take those bullets back."

Bogart was listed Monday in critical condition at the Rogue Valley Medical Center after surgery there Sunday, a hospital spokeswoman said. He was listed Sunday in fair condition.

Fagan said Reeves was remorseful and cooperating with deputies investigating the case.

Bogart owns a Medford automobile detailing business and he was hunting black-tailed buck deer with family and some employees, family members said Monday.

Reeves had a legal hunting license and a western Oregon buck deer tag required for hunting deer with a rifle Sunday in Jackson County, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The general buck deer season in western Oregon began Saturday.

Reeves could not be located for comment Monday.

Reach reporter Mark Freeman at 776-4470, or e-mail mfreeman@mailtribune.com.