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Woman Accidentally Shot During Monterey Squirrel Hunting Trip

MONTEREY (CBS SF) -- A woman was recovering after she was accidentally shot by her sister-in-law during a squirrel-hunting outing in Monterey County on Sunday, a sheriff's sergeant said.

The shooting occurred in the Botchers Gap area of the Los Padres National Forest, and was reported at 10:12 a.m., according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

The shooter fired a Remington 20-gauge shotgun from about 70 yards away, and shotgun pellets hit the victim in the face, head, upper back and left arm, investigators said.

The victim was not wearing brightly colored safety gear and apparently blended into the scenery, sheriff's Sgt. Kathy Palazzolo said.

She was taken to a hospital by others in the group, and was alert and able to provide a statement, according to the sheriff's office. Her wounds were not life-threatening.

"She was very lucky," Palazzolo said.

The shooting appears to have been accidental, and no criminal charges will be filed, the sergeant said.

"It doesn't sound like there was any ill will, they all get along well. It was just an unfortunate accident," Palazzolo said.

Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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