Enquiries into Kaimanawa Ranges shooting continue

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to a man suffering a gunshot wound in the Kaimanawa Ranges yesterday. 
 
The 48-year-old Tauranga man is in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital. 
 
Initial enquiries have established that the man had been hunting with a companion and was shot by him, after his companion mistook him for a deer. 
 
Police will be undertaking a scene examination in the Kaimanawa Ranges today. 
 
While enquiries into this incident are ongoing, this does serve as a timely reminder to hunters to ensure that they identify their target beyond all doubt. 
 
The consequences of failing to do so are immediate and can be tragic and catastrophic. 
 
ENDS 
 
Issued by Police Media Centre.