Charges likely after hunter shoots pal in remote bush

Criminal charges are likely after a man killed his friend in a central North Island hunting accident on Saturday.

Police said William Stanley Gillies, 54, died after being shot by a companion who mistook him for a deer about 9am, while the pair were hunting in the Hauhungaroa Range, about 15km west of Lake Taupo.

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd, of Taupo, said yesterday that he had spoken to the detective investigating the shooting and charges were likely, but a decision had yet to be made.

Mr Shepherd, who flew into the remote bush with the Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter, said he did not consider such deaths to be "accidents" as they were often termed.

"I agree it is a mistake. It's not an accident. He was shot deliberately, but it's a mistake," he said.

Mr Gillies' companion was desolate.

"They're great buddies, good hunting mates these two," Mr Shepherd said

But he said Mr Gillies' wife and children were devastated when he spoke to them.

Police have not revealed the name of Mr Gillies' companion, but the Herald on Sunday said he was Bernard Lee.

Mr Lee's son, Damien, told the newspaper his father sent Mr Gillies through thick bush to scare out deer, saw movement turned and fired.

"It was rain on the scope."

Mr Gillies' daughter Gaylene said her father and Mr Lee had hunted together since they were 15. They did not wear high-visibility clothes but were both experienced hunters and aware of safety measures such as sighting the target.

She said her mother Bronwyn was not blaming Mr Lee, the newspaper reported.

Mr Shepherd confirmed both men were wearing plain, dark colours. He hoped Mr Gillies' death would be a warning to other hunters.

- NZPA