HOLLIS — 44-year-old Sanford man was shot while turkey hunting Monday with friends and relatives in the Hollis area, according to a release issued by the Maine Warden Service.

Mark Lemieux, 44, of Sanford, suffered injuries to his legs, chest, head and face after being hit by a shot fired by his uncle, Gerard Lemieux, 69, of Gorham, according to Maine Warden Service Lt. Adam Gormely.

Mark Lemieux was treated and released from Goodall Hospital in Sanford.

The incident is under investigation by the Warden Service.

Monday was  the first day of spring wild turkey hunting season for residents and non-residents with a license and a permit.

The season  runs through June 4 across much of central, southern and eastern sections of the state. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife held its traditional Youth Day for the turkey hunt on Saturday.

After once being reduced to small numbers, the turkey population in Maine is now estimated at 50,000 to 60,000. Officials say Maine last year issued 17,000 turkey permits, up from less than 1,000 through the late 1990s.

Turkey hunting is considered a secretive sport, where hunters in camouflage use turkey calls to attract the wary birds.

The state has another turkey season in the fall.

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