Hunter saves last bullet for rescue

A 17-year-old hunter who became separated from friends in a forestry block saved his last bullet to help search and rescue locate his position.

Cole McKenzie was found in Blackcleugh block, near Beaumont in Central Otago, about 11.30am yesterday after spending a night alone in the bush.

He was hunting with two older friends on Saturday afternoon when he failed to arrive at a prearranged meeting point.

Balclutha Sergeant Martin Bull said Mr McKenzie's friends were concerned for his welfare but police knew he was safe on Saturday night when he responded to a gun shot in the air - a common search and rescue technique.

The technique was used again yesterday to pinpoint his location.

Mr McKenzie said he "felt like a bit of an idiot" when he realised he was lost but knew he should save his ammunition.

"I didn't know when would be the best time to fire it, but held out for morning in the hope that searchers would be on their way," he told The Otago Daily Times.

He spent the night under a bivouac made of palm fronds.

"It wasn't too bad. I'd fallen over in a creek so I was also a bit wet, but I had plenty of cover over me," he said.

- NZPA