Man faces charges over hunting accident

File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A man faces charges after allegedly accidentally shooting his friend in the stomach during a hunting trip in Hawke's Bay on Saturday.

Senior Sergeant Stuart Fleming said Waipukurau police were called to a farm in Paget's Road, Takapau, where the shooting happened about 9am.

The 28-year-old victim was taken by helicopter to Hawke's Bay Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery to remove the bullet. The shooting happened while the victim and a 25-year-old man were out rabbit shooting with a .22 calibre rifle.

Hawke's Bay Today reported that charges had been laid against the the 25-year-old man who will appear in Waipukurau Court on January 26.

- NZPA