A Porter man is hospitalized in Chicago after a Wednesday afternoon accident at Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. DNR officials say Timothy P. Tackett, 54, was at the property’s gun range when the accident occurred. He was reportedly adjusting a sight on his rifle when it fell, discharged and shot him in his right hand. Tackett told conservation officers he did not realize the weapon was loaded. He drove himself to Porter Regional Hospital and was transferred to Christ Advocate Hospital in Chicago for specialized treatment. The incident remains under investigation. Conservation officers remind anyone handling firearms to point the muzzle in a safe direction and always treat the firearm as if it were loaded.