Located Missing Hunter

Palmerston North Search and Rescue were called yesterday afternoon to search for a 75 year old man in a disoriented state by the Rangitikei River near Makino Road.

The man had been hunting pheasants in the river valley when he became disoriented. Another hunter pointed him in the direction of his car, only about 150m away, but he failed to arrive there.

The other hunter searched for him for about 45 minutes then called Police at around 2:15pm.

Police went to the area to begin the search. Search and Rescue volunteers as well as a LandSAR dog were flown to the area.

The hunter, a Palmerston North man, arrived at his car just before the helicopter got there.

He was safe and well. He had turned right instead of left, headed upstream instead of down. He kept on going until he came to a landmark that he recognised. He came out onto Reu Reu Road then made his way back to Makino Road and his car.

Police would like to remind hunters and trampers that they should leave firm written intentions with a responsible person and to make sure they have a reliable form of communication with them.