LAPLACE — A LaPlace hunter was shot and killed Thursday during what authorities said has been initially determined as an accidental killing.

Roger Tamplain, 51, of LaPlace died Thursday evening, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Public Information Director Adam Einck said three men were hunting at approximately 4:15 p.m. when one of them was sitting on a fallen tree.

At that point, Einck said, the hunter heard a commotion in the brush and fired a shot, thinking it was a deer.

When the hunters realized Tamplain was shot, they immediately alerted authorities, Einck said.

According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Office, deputies and EMS responded to Bert Street, north of Airline Highway in LaPlace, eventually airlifting Tamplain to University Medical Center New Orleans, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Those in the hunting party were questioned Thursday evening to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, police said.

St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre said local authorities turned over the investigation to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

According to Einck, the investigation is ongoing.