Youth Injured In Hunting Incident
Hunting Incident
A 17 year old youth has been shot and injured by a hunting companion on a Southland farm in the early hours on Monday morning.
The victim and associates were spotlighting for deer using a vehicle on a Farm property near Orepuki.
He was taken to Southland Hospital where he underwent surgery and is said to be recovering and in a stable condition.
Investigators from Invercargill's criminal investigation unit carried out a scene examination at the site of the shooting yesterday.
The members of the
hunting group are assisting Police with their
enquiries.
This incident comes after two similar hunting
incidents in the Southern region this year.
In March a man died after being shot in the back of the head while out hunting with two friends in the Maungawera Valley, near Wanaka.
In April a 26 year old man died after being shot by an associate while on a hunting trip in the Cattle Flat area.
The incident is a timely reminder for hunters to ensure they follow the seven basic rules of firearms safety:
1. Treat every firearm as loaded
2. Always
point firearms in a safe direction
3. Load a firearm only
when ready to fire
4. Identify your target beyond all
doubt
5. Check your firing zone
6. Store firearms and
ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling
firearms
Detective Dougall Henderson
Invercargill
CIB
13 November
212
ends