WEST GARDINER — Police are investigating a shooting Sunday that injured a Raymond man who was ice fishing on Cobbosseecontee Stream.

Scott Fraley, 54, was transported to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta by Gardiner Ambulance after being struck in the head while fishing with friends off Manning Drive just before noon, according to the Maine Warden Service.

Police characterized his wounds as non-life-threatening. Fraley was treated at the hospital and released.

“It was a gunshot wound to the head. It sounds like it was superficial,” said District Game Warden Robert Decker.

Fraley was interviewed by investigators at the hospital.

Decker identified the shooter as Bryan Hickey, 21, of West Gardiner.

Decker described the wounding of Fraley as a “hunting incident in which someone was shot.” He said Hickey “was out shooting his firearm. It’s under investigation at this time as to what he was shooting at.”

Decker said it appears he “accidentally shot at the victim.”

The warden service said Hickey is cooperating with the investigation.

Police reached the shooting site from a trail behind the West Gardiner Rod and Gun Club, which was hosting a fishing tournament over the weekend.

The club is across Cobbosseecontee Stream from Manning Drive, where the stream widens into Mill Pond.

Wardens, marine patrol officers and state troopers entered the woods behind the club after Fraley was transported to the hospital.

Marine Patrol Officer Clint Thompson emerged from the woods shortly after noon Sunday carrying a Chinese-made rifle, which had a folded bayonet attached, and placed it in a game warden’s truck along with several shells after applying an evidence tag.

Decker came out of the woods at 1:30 p.m., escorting Hickey.

Hickey said he wanted a “clean conscience” before sitting in the warden’s truck to be interviewed by Decker.

Hickey was later allowed to leave by himself.

Decker declined to discuss what charges, if any, could be brought because the case was still under investigation. He said authorities would collect information and the Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office would decide whether to press charges.

Several small game animals can be hunted in winter, but hunting on Sundays is illegal.

Decker said anyone shooting a gun, whether target shooting or hunting, has to identify the target and be careful where the bullet may end up.

Press Herald Staff Writer Leslie Bridgers contributed to this report.

Keith Edwards can be contacted at 621-5647or at:

kedwards@centralmaine.com