An American tourist who was shot while spotlighting last week remains in a stable condition in The Alfred Hospital, said spokeswoman Hannah Chipp.
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The 22-year-old woman received the gunshot wound about 11.30pm last Tuesday; she was sitting in a vehicle with two loaded rifles when one discharged.
Kerang Police Acting Sergeant Roberta Barry said the woman was sitting in a vehicle with two loaded rifles when one went off as another passenger got in.
"The firearm has discharged accidentally and it really is a very unfortunate accident to have occurred," he said.
The woman, an American tourist on an extended stay, was flown to The Alfred hospital.
Acting Sergeant Barry said it was unlike anything she had seen in the region in the last decade.
"Years ago these type of incidents occurred frequently but they very rarely occur now," she said.
"I can't even remember the last time something similar has happened - it'd be the first one for at least the last 10 years."
She said it reinforced the message to be vigilant around firearms.
"It's a warm time of the year and people are more likely to be out spotlighting with an increase of foxes and rabbits around," she said.
"Everyone just has to be aware of how to correctly store firearms, as well as the handling of them.
"This is the case when you're out, and while moving around in a vehicle.
"They must be in an absolutely safe position because this just shows what can happen."