MONTICELLO — A Bogue Chitto man is in stable, but guarded,condition at University Medical Center in Jackson after he wasaccidentally shot by a friend while hunting turkeys Fridaymorning.

Tony Lynn Smith, who turned 51 years old Friday, was huntingwith his younger brother, Kelly Smith, 38, of Brookhaven, and aclose friend and co-worker, Robert “Rocky” Reid, 22, of Jayess,around 7:30 a.m. Friday in woods just off Highway 44 and DummylineRoad in Jayess when the incident occurred, according to aDepartment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Game official.

“It appears the victim was out of sight of the shooter andmistaken for game,” the official said.

Tony Smith had separated from his brother and Reid to callturkeys for them, said Matilda Smith, Tony’s sister. He waswatching as a turkey approached and came between him and the othertwo.

Reid didn’t know Tony Smith’s location and took the shot,missing the turkey and striking Smith, the DWFG official said. Itwas about a 27-30 yard shot and 12 gauge birdshot pellets struckTony Smith from “the waist to the top of his head.”

“It was a freak accident,” Matilda said. “Had (Kelly and Reid)not acted as fast as they did, he would probably not be here.”

The pair immediately ran to Tony and attempted to stop the bloodflow then one ran to a nearby house to call for an ambulance.

Tony was treated at Lawrence County Hospital and thentransferred to UMC, where he was moved into a room Saturday.

“So far he’s doing really well,” said Heidi Smith, Tony’sdaughter. “We’re really proud of him. He’s done a lot bettertoday.”

Matilda said Tony still has birdshot in his sinuses and also hasa collapsed lung, but he is holding his own and things lookpromising. Plastic surgeons will be looking at the possibility ofrepairing his right hand Monday, she said. They are consideringsurgery to remove the birdshot from his sinuses.

“The family well appreciates the calls, support and prayers,”she said.

Matilda also said she hopes people remember to pray and supportReid as well. The family does not blame him, she said.

“There were three victims in this accident, not just one,” shesaid. “We wish we could something to ease his pain because he’staking it so bad. He and his family have been up here just as muchas they can.”