Cindy MacDougall
Northern News Services

FORT SMITH (Oct 11/99) - A recent hunting accident in Fort Smith is being investigated by both the RCMP and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

Dr. David Conroy is recovering from injuries to his hip, intestines and hand after he slipped and his rifle discharged during an early- morning moose hunt last week.

Sgt. Al McCambridge of the Fort Smith RCMP said the accident was under investigation.

As yet, McCambridge said no charges have been laid, and he declined comment on the investigation until tomorrow.

RWED's officer in charge in Fort Smith, Berny Bergman, said he will also investigate the accident.

"We look into any hunting accident like this one," he said. "But right now (Conroy) is still in the hospital and we just hope he's OK."

Dr. Conroy arrived in Fort Smith just six months ago. NWT residents must live in the territory two years before getting a resident hunting licence.

When questioned if the investigation would look into Conroy's hunting licence, Bergman declined to comment, but said, "that may be part of it. We just don't know yet."

The Fort Smith Health Centre is getting by while Conroy is being treated at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Edmonton.

Brent Woodford, director of the centre, said he has found temporary replacement doctors from Alberta to keep his staff at three doctors for most of Conroy's recovery time.

"I spoke to Dr. Conroy the other day and his intention is to come back (to Fort Smith,)" Woodford said.

Conroy will return to Fort Smith in two weeks for his recovery period.