Hunter Rescued From Ruahines
New Zealand Police National News Release
3:40am 8 December 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4558

A hunter has just been airlifted out of the Ruahine Ranges after being shot on a day hunt.

Palmerston North Search and Rescue received a call around 8.20pm Sunday evening (7 December) from Ambulance Communications after the 39-year-old's hunting companion raised the alarm with a local farmer.

The two men had been hunting in Pahongina Valley west of Komako when the incident happened. When the alarm was raised the Square Trust rescue helicopter was dispatched with advanced paramedics and police Search and Rescue team members. An off duty advanced paramedic and a nurse, who both live in the area, made their way to the area on a quad bike and stabilised the patient.

Police also called out the Apiti Volunteer Fire brigade to assist with carrying stretchers and organise helicopter landing zones. Four members of the local Manawatu tramping club were also flown to the area by the Square trust Helicopter to assist in the extraction. The rugged terrain meant going was slow and ropes had to be used to safely carry the hunter out.

Approximately 16 people have been assisting with the operation.

The hunter, a man from the Palmerson North area has a serious arm injury and has been flown to Palmerston North Hospital. He is currently described as being in a serious but stable condition.

Police will now be investigating the circumstances of the incident.

ENDS

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