A 15-year-old student at Franklin County High School was injured Tuesday afternoon by what officials said was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Lt. Karl Martin with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries said the incident occurred about 4 p.m. off Boones Mill Road, about three miles east of Boones Mill, near the teen's residence.

"At this point we believe he was hunting. He was by himself at the time," Martin said. "He called 911 himself."

He added that interviews still were being conducted. The boy is not being identified because of his age.

The victim was taken to Franklin County Memorial Hospital, then airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital about 5 p.m. Martin said the teenager's injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

This is the second apparent accidental shooting involving an area teenager this week.

"One of the responsibilities that goes with gun ownership and use of a firearm is that you handle them safely," Martin said.

He said the state DGIF offers free, 10-hour classes in gun safety and recommended that younger hunters and gun owners seek them out through the department's Web site at www.dgif.virginia.gov or by calling (434) 525-7522.