During the investigation it was learned that the victim was in a tree stand, deer hunting with a 20 gauge shotgun. With him was his father and a family friend. The victim was preparing to exit the tree stand and attempting to hand the loaded shotgun down to his father's friend who was at the base of the stand. During this process the butt end of the firearm struck a rung of the ladder causing the firearm to discharge a slug round. The discharged round struck the victim in the right shoulder. He was transported to St. Louis Children's Hospital. The Missouri Department of Conservation is assisting with the investigation.