Deputies said Kelly Barfufs, 27, accidentally shot himself with a small caliber gun while attempting to kill the skunk, which he spotted while irrigating at his family's farm, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday.

Bartufs died while he was being transported by air to an Ogden, Utah, hospital.

Box Elder County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Kevin Potter said the incident is being investigated, but no foul play is suspected. He said local Utah residents commonly carry firearms to ward off skunks and raccoons.