Posted Monday, January 21, 2013 --- 8:25 a.m.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) -- Authorities in central Wisconsin say a man accidentally shot and critically injured his 25-year-old son while the father was clearing his weapon at a rifle range.

Deputies say the shooting happened Saturday about 3 p.m. at the Wood County Rifle and Pistol Range.

Investigators say 53-year-old Stephen Sammartino was clearing his weapon when it accidentally went off, hitting Joseph Sammartino in the back. The son was airlifted to a hospital, where he was in critical condition.

Deputies say they're treating the case as an accident but they're continuing to investigate.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press