Dick Cheney's gun malfunctions at charity hunting event

CASPER, Wyo., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Dick Cheney said his gun malfunctioned at a charity antelope hunting contest in Wyoming, causing his team to lose the competition.

Cheney wasn't able to get even one shot off at Sunday's competition, which pit two teams of hunters against one another to see which could kill the most number of antelopes with just one shot each, KTWO-TV, Casper, Wyo., reported Monday.

Cheney and his team captain blamed a malfunction with his gun, The Hill reported.

"I don't take it personally," Cheney said. "I'm sure there was a small problem with the manufacturer. But I will be back next year and I have enjoyed it, it's been fantastic. It's great to spend so much time with some fine folks."

Despite his shooting troubles, the former vice president was still able to raise $26,000 for the non-profit Water for Wildlife organization, which aids animals suffering from drought conditions.

"Drought lowers the population of the animals," said Terry Martin, a lifelong Wyoming resident. "From what I understand from the Wyoming Game and Fish, the antelope population is down 20 percent from last year."

This isn't the first time Cheney's made headlines after having problems with a gun. In 2006, he injured his quail-hunting partner when he accidentally shot him in the face, neck and chest with bird shot. The man suffered a heart attack in the incident, but ultimately survived.