PLATTSBURGH — The region's first hunting accident has prompted officials to remind area residents about the importance of safe shooting.

Bernard H. Sharlow remained hospitalized this week, more than two weeks after Ricky A. Brunelle, 43, of Ellenburg Depot mistook him for a deer and shot the Norwood man in the abdomen.

Both men had been scouring the foggy woods off South Canton Road in Potsdam last month when Brunelle struck Sharlow, 39, with a single shot from his .50-caliber muzzleloader rifle.

As Sharlow continues to recover, Brunelle has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge relating to the shooting.

Officials say accidents like that can be prevented by taking standard safety measures.

"You have to be sure of the target and what's behind it," Department of Environmental Conservation spokesman David Winchell said recently.

He said hunters should always follow basic safety, such as assuming that every gun is loaded and that the muzzle is always controlled.

"Make sure you know where it's pointed, and keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire."

Wearing hunter orange while in the woods is also strongly recommended. Studies show that the bright-orange color has no effect on a deer's perception, but it can certainly be seen clearly by humans.

Sharlow remained in critical condition for more than a week after the shooting but continues to improve. He was listed in good condition at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington Tuesday.

No hunting-related injuries have been reported so far this season in the tri-county area.

The regular hunting season here ends Dec. 6.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com