GRUNDY CENTER- A Grundy Center man escaped serious injuries today despite being hit in the chest by a shotgun deer slug, state law enforcement officials reported today.

Bradley Lynch, 34, was hunting in a group on private ground approximately five miles west of Grundy Center when the incident occurred around 10 a.m.

Early reports indicate Lynch and another hunter were pursuing a deer in standing corn when the one hunter shot at the deer, striking Lynch who was in the same row. State officials said the slug did not penetrate Lynch's body, but rather struck a button on Lynch's coat. Authorities surmise the slug was initially slowed before impact, possibly by passing through the deer before it struck Lynch.

Lynch was taken by private vehicle to the Grundy County Memorial Hospital, then by Eldora Rescue to Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo where he is being treated.

The incident remains under investigation.