Shot hunter in a critical condition

A 38-year-old man who was airlifted to hospital from the Ruahine ranges early this morning, is said to be in a critical condition following surgery.

The man, from the Palmerston North area, was shot in the arm resulting in a serious injury. Enquiries to date suggest that the shot was fired by his hunting companion, a 49-year-old man also from the Palmerston North area.

There is no suggestion that the shooting was a deliberate act, but as a matter of course police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.