Deer hunters urged to follow safety guidelines

Hunters are being urged to follow safety guidelines, as many venture out in search of a roaring stag. Photo / File

The roar - a favoured hunting period for many parts of the country - has hunters going out on masse and officials are urging them to follow safety guidelines.

As another weekend fast approaches where hunters will venture into the hills in search of a roaring stag, Firearms Safety Specialists consultant Nicole McKee warns that if they become complacent with their handling they will become a statistic.

The warning comes after a 57-year-old hunter was shot and killed in an area of the Kaimai Range forest near Te Aroha on Monday.

Closer to home, Saturday marked two years since another hunter was tragically shot and killed in the Ruahine Ranges.

"It's as simple as counting one to seven," Ms McKee said. "The seven basic rules of firearms safety".

She said there were currently multiple hunters and hunting parties in the same area of bush and their presence may not be known to each other, making it essential that hunters fully identify their target beyond all doubt before they take their shot.

"Should you separate from a hunter in your own party you must cease hunting until you regain sight of each other," she said.

The roar is when stags are most vocal, calling to attract the attention of females and are less cautious than other times.

The roar lasts about four weeks, and stags are the most vocal in the middle two weeks.

Red deer roar from late March through April.

McKee also reminds hunters to ensure that they point their firearms in a safe direction, be mindful of where the muzzle is pointed at all times so that it doesn't pass over yourself or anyone else.

Also ensure your rifle is only loaded when you are about to take a shot and fully unload the rifle when you have taken the shot, when your game gets away or when you leave your hunting area.

"Hunting is a healthy lifestyle that puts food on the tables of many families. Food not sympathy cards should be donning our tables this roar – keep mindful and keep yourself and others around you safe" McKee urged.