AUBURN, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire wildlife officials say a 10-year-old boy deer hunting from a ground blind has accidentally shot a 48-year-old man sitting next to him.

The Fish and Game Department says the accidental shooting happened Saturday morning in the woods in Auburn, in southeastern New Hampshire.

Conservation Officer Geoffrey Pushee says 48-year-old Manchester resident Mark Maniscalchi was sitting with two young boys when one carrying a .22-caliber handgun inadvertently fired. The shot hit Maniscalchi in the forearm near his elbow.

Maniscalchi drove himself to the hospital for treatment and was released the same day.

Authorities are investigating.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.