Former Shelburne resident shot in hunting accident

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

A former Shelburne resident and retired Canadian Armed Forces veteran was shot in a hunting incident in Alberta last week, family members report to the Free Press. 

58 year-old Chris Rusk, a now resident of Okotoks Alb., was seriously injured on Dec. 15 while duck hunting at the banks of the Bow River, a remote area. Family members say he was shot in the face allegedly by another hunter, suffering serious injuries and was airlifted via STARS to Foothills Hospital in Calgary.  

Rusk underwent a seven hour long surgery for his eyes and is experiencing paralysis on his right side, which his family told the Free Press has been improving. While he is recovering, making better than expected progress, his family adds that he is not out of the woods yet. He is expected to spend several months in hospital to recover and will also need rehab for his injuries. 

Rusk, retired five year ago from the Canadian Armed Forces after serving for 35 years, including a 13 month stint in Afghanistan, and receiving two Governor General Awards. The accident happened a week after Rusk's 58th birthday.  

A 62-year-old man from Calgary, whose name has not been released, was charged with careless use of a firearm. 

For tips on hunting safety visit: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary