With the roar approaching and duck shooting in May, hunters need to heed the "pretty basic" fundamentals of safety, says New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association president Bill O'Leary.
Mr O'Leary said while there has been focus on the "failure to identify" incidents, "most incidents are the result of failure to observe basic rules such as always pointing the firearm in a safe direction".
The Hunter Safety Committee's analysis of incidents has highlighted unlicensed shooters and illegal hunting as red flags. Spotlighting has also featured too frequently in shooting incidents, Mr O'Leary said.
"Experienced shooters are not exempt from making mistakes. Bad habits, complacency and deteriorated eyesight have been linked to past incidents," he said.
"Each and every hunter needs to look hard at their own and their mates' attitudes and conduct and ensure safety is the most basic of considerations when hunting."