BEAVER COVE Twp. – Authorities are investigating the death of an experienced New Gloucester hunter who died Saturday of what was termed an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Piscataquis County.

Ernest Russell III, 55, was found about 600 yards from his truck, which was parked on Prong Pond Road in Beaver Cove Township about 8:40 p.m. Beaver Cove is on Moosehead Lake.

Russell’s wife contacted the Maine Warden Service shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday.

“When his wife didn’t hear from him – knowing how good he was about keeping her informed – that’s when she became worried,” said Deborah Turcotte, a spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

According to information released by the department Sunday evening, Russell owns a camp in Greenville and went hunting on Prong Pond Mountain at about 12:15 p.m. Saturday. That was the last time family or friends heard from him. His vehicle was found Saturday night by activating its OnStar system, and game wardens found his body after following his tracks in the snow.

Russell’s body is being autopsied by the Maine Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident remains under investigation.