Disabled hunter, 62, shoots Wisconsin woman in the stomach after mistaking her dog for 'antlerless deer'- as officials urge walkers to wear bright colors during hunting season

A 62-year-old disabled hunter shot a woman while she was walking her dog in Wisconsin after mistaking her pup for an 'antlerless deer'.

The hunter fired his rifle from his vehicle, hitting the 47-year-old woman in her abdomen early Sunday during the second day of gun-deer season. 

She was walking on private property in the community of Big Flats Township, located in Adams county in central Wisconsin, at the time, according to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) official.

The woman was rushed by MediFlight to a nearby hospital. It is unclear what her condition is, but officials said Wednesday she was still being treated. The dog was not hurt. 

It remains unclear if the hunter will face any charges. An investigation is underway.

The man reportedly said he thought the dog was an antlerless deer so felt confident firing, NBC15 News reported. 

Lieutenant Mike Weber, a hunter education administrator for DNR, told the news outlet, Wisconsin permits those with disabilities to hunt from their vehicles. 

Weber also took the opportunity to speak about gun safety and remind hunters and non-hunters the importance of wearing high visible colors - blaze orange and fluorescent pink - while in the woods.

He also stressed that pets should be protected with the proper collar and vests during deer hunting season.

'It is obviously good idea to have non-hunters during any deer firearm season to consider wearing blaze orange or high visible colors,'  he said. 

He added: 'And those same people should put high visible colors vests or collars on their pets as well.

Wisconsin's opening day for gun-deer season kicked off on November 18 and runs to November 26.

In another incident, a man in northeast Wisconsin shot himself in the foot while adjusting his rifle sling. He was also taken to the hospital, WKOW News reported.

Weber said: 'One of the most important things that we always stress is to follow the four main rules of firearms whether you've been hunting for 30 years or you're just starting for the first time,' Spectrum1 News reported.

The four firearm safety rules include. 'TABK, which stands for 'Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. 'Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. 'Be certain of your target and what's beyond.' 'Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.'

In addition to firearms, clothing and other hunting gear should be inspected and that gear is in proper working order.

DailyMail.com has contacted DNR for further comment.