Man charged over duck shooting death

File photo / Alan Gibson

Police have charged a man over a duck shooting death near Auckland in May.

Eric Phillip Bright, 53, was killed by a single gunshot wound while duck shooting with a group of friends on the Bright family farm near Waiuku on May 7.

Counties Manukau Police have now charged a 57 year-old man with careless use of a firearm causing death.

He will appear in the Pukekohe District Court on October 5.

Detective Senior Sergeant Al Symonds said "The charge comes after an exhaustive Police investigation which included extensive forensic testing.

"During this investigation Police found no evidence to suggest that Mr Bright died as a result of anything other than an accidental shooting.

"We realise duck shooting is a social activity but drinking and using firearms is a recipe for tragedy," said Mr Symonds.

"We encourage avid duck shooters to keep this front of mind for next season."