On Sunday, July 19, park rangers near Emerald Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park responded to a call regarding a gunshot wound.

According to a press release from RMNP, a 70-year-old male from Missouri was hiking with a handgun in his backpack. When he set his bag down on a rock, the gun fired and struck him in the leg. He was carried out by Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members, and no one else was hurt in the incident though there were others present.

RMNP wants to remind visitors:

Open carry of handguns and rifles, and transport of the same in vehicles, is permitted. Concealed carry is allowed pursuant to a legal Colorado concealed carry permit and applicable state reciprocity laws.

However, they also want to remind visitors that firearms are not a wildlife protection strategy.

For more information on the investigation, learn more here.

99.9 KEKB - Grand Junction's Favorite Country logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Photo Gallery: 2012 High Park Fire

 

More From 99.9 KEKB - Grand Junction's Favorite Country