A deer hunter was seriously injured in an accidental shooting in Chautauqua County on Saturday, according to the sheriff's office.

It was reported just after 10 a.m. on a property on Buffalo Rd. in the Town of Hanover.

A 34-year-old Irving man was attempting to go down a steep hill when he fell, causing his muzzleloader to accidentally go off, investigators said.

The shot hit the leg of a 23-year-old Silver Creek man who was standing nearby, according to deputies.

He was taken to Erie County Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.