Hunter breaks ankle while retrieving kill

An American tourist on a hunting trip is thought to have broken his ankle when he fell while making his way to a kill near Tongariro National Park today.

The 56-year-old man was in a private hunting block off Erua Rd, near National Park, with two guides and his adult son. They had just shot and killed a deer when the accident happened about midday.

They were making their way down a steep hill to the bottom of a valley to retrieve the carcass when the man rolled over on his ankle, hearing a cracking sound as he did, paramedic Graeme Harvey said.

One of the guides made their way to the lodge where they were staying and contacted emergency services.

The man was winched into the Taupo Youthtown rescue helicopter and flown to Taumarunui Hospital.

The son had stayed behind to retrieve the deer, Mr Harvey said.

- NZPA