"We're going to have a full and thorough investigation and, following that, are going to seek legal advice, then make a decision," said Detective Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen, of Wairarapa CIB.
The shooting happened in a remote section of the Aorangi's in South Wairarapa, two hours' walk from the nearest access road, Hume's Road, near the township of Pirinoa.
It is not known which access route the young hunter who was shot and his companion used to get into the ranges, but there are at least 10 access points - some being relatively close to Pirinoa, and others being more coastal.
It is now the height of the deer hunting season, which is known as "the roar" to hunters.
The roar happens over four weeks of the year when stags are most vocal, calling out to protect territory and attract mates, and always brings a proliferation of deerhunters to the ranges, a situation exacerbated this weekend by fine Easter weather.
Mountain Safety Council spokesman Mike Spray said that because of the roar and the long weekend, it was a popular - and hazardous - time to go deer hunting.
"Statistically speaking, most of the hunting deaths occur over this part of the year," he said.
He said the incident most likely came about because safety precautions were not followed, adding that hunters should never fire at simply sound, shape, colour or movement.
"I suppose it boils down to target identification - the shooter probably hasn't identified his target correctly," he said.
Mr Hansen agreed.
"This man's death is a tragedy, and should serve as a timely reminder to identify your target beyond all doubt," he said.
Several hunting deaths had occurred because of hunters either not making sure of their target before pulling the trigger, or from the wearing of clothing that did not sufficiently indicate that movement in the bush was human, not animal.
