Take a second to identify target

Deer hunting season begins at the end of March.

Deer hunters are advised to take extra care in the forests over the next month, as the roar begins.

Traditionally the roar, which starts near the end of March and will continue until the end of April, is the busiest time of year for deer hunting, and this year it coincides with the Easter holiday period, when many people will be camping and tramping on conservation land.

Deer Stalkers Association iwi spokesman Alec McIvor said fatalities happened when hunters did not take an extra second to establish their target.

"The main thing is, if you are with a hunting partner, make sure you identify your target.

"There's lots of hunters out in the bush at this time of year, being the roar, so take extra care. Most hunters hunt alone or with a mate, these incidents happen, 99 per cent of the time, when two hunters separate. Most of the time it's mates shooting a mate or a son shooting a dad or vice versa.

"Really, the thing hunters have got to get into their head is to identify their target and follow firearms rules."

Mr McIvor, of Rotorua, said hunters could make themselves more visible by wearing orange glaze, or bright colours.

He said mistakes had been made by even the most experienced hunters.

"Incidents happen regardless of experience. It's across the board and the concerning part - it's usually experienced hunters and middle-aged men. It's just identifying their target, as soon as it hops into the open they should take a second to make sure it is a deer.

"Sometimes it's hard because animals are roaring and there's a lot of adrenaline flowing, you get so hyped up."

He said hunting was a valuable sport. "We see them [deer] as a value game animal. Ninety per cent of hunters in New Zealand hunt for food, particularly in the Rotorua district."

Information about the firearms safety code can be found at www.police.govt.nz. Safety information is at www.mountainsafety.org.nz or www.deerstalkers.org.nz. For DOC permits, go to www.doc.-govt.nz/hunting-permit.