Fatal hunting shooting in Cattleflat, Southland

Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on a station in the Cattle flat area, Southland.

A group of six men were spotlighting for deer in an area of remote farmland in the early hours of 29 th April. The group had been spotlighting using a vehicle on a farm track .

One of the group was shot with a hunting rifle fired by another member of the group and died instantly at the location. The deceased male was walking on a hillside attempting to locate a second deer after one had been initially shot and located by the group.

Emergency services were notified just before 4 am. Police staff and a helicopter with a paramedic were deployed into the area.

A scene examination is being carried out by Investigators from the Invercargill Criminal Investigation unit. The male that shot the deceased is assisting with enquires.

All members of the group were friends and had been on an organized hunting trip and were staying in a musters hut on the Station. The group of friends are traumatized by this hunting fatality.

The deceased details are not being released at present, as next of Kin are still to be notified.