Kuala Lumpur - A Malaysian man was hit by pellets believed to be from the shotgun of nearby deer hunters when he went looking for frogs, a news report said Sunday.

The victim, 46, was hunting for frogs Friday night in the northern Kedah state when he was shot in the buttocks, the News Straits Times daily reported.

"I was approaching a river when I heard a gunshot. Suddenly I felt a sharp pain on my left buttock," he said.

The victim sought the help of a friend by mobile phone and was rushed to a hospital.

Doctors removed the pellets from the victim, who was reported to be in stable condition.

Police said they are investigating whether the victim had been mistaken for a deer by hunters. (dpa)