MAYVILLE, N.Y. -- Thomas Jadlowski, who told deputies he thought he was firing at a deer but instead shot and killed a Chautauqua County woman, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of second-degree manslaughter and also to hunting after sunset.

Jadlowski, 34, is accused of shooting Rosemary Billquist, his Armenian Road neighbor, the day before Thanksgiving in Sherman. Deputies said he had a legal hunting pistol, a .35-caliber Thompson Contender. After hearing Billquist scream, Jadlowski said he ran over to apply pressure to the gunshot wound.

Billquist later died in an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital. She was 43 years old.

"From everything that I've seen, Mrs. Billquist was a shining star. This is a tragic situation. She's certainly going to be missed in that community," said Mike Cerrie, Jadlowski's attorney.

"I grew up in Sherman, I know the families and most of the people who know these people," said Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson. "It's a small town, and they're struggling right now, because there's a tragedy that's affecting a very large portion of that community."

Jadlowski was arraigned following an indictment handed up by a secret grand jury. He also has to turn over any additional hunting weapons he may have.

Jadlowski posted bail, according to the sheriff. His next court date is scheduled for January 29.