A Hastings hunter has admitted fatally shooting a 23-year-old soldier in the Ruahine Ranges in March.
Gary Bruce McCurrach, 58, appeared before Judge Geoff Rea this morning at Hastings District Court where he pleaded guilty to carelessly using a .308 rifle causing the death of Danny Jordan, a soldier based at Linton Military Camp, on March 31.
The 58-year-old, supported by his family, also admitted careless use of a firearm causing injury, and unlawful hunting.
Police prosecutor Andy Horn told the court McCurrach had travelled to the Ruahine Range area when he went hunting without a licence during the roar.
He soon became aware that other people were hunting in the same area so climbed to the top of Sparrowhawk bivouac track to find cellphone coverage to tell his wife he was coming home.