Hunter found dead in forest

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A young man is believed to have been shot dead in a hunting accident.

The man in his late 20s was found dead in the Aorangi Forest Park in Wairarapa yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen said the man's hunting companion, a 59-year-old man, called police just before 2pm to report the death.

Hansen said police would interview other hunting parties who were in the park area.

Officers last night remained at the remote area , near Pirinoa.

"Police are currently at the scene, which is some distance from the nearest road," Hansen said.

"We are now in the very early stages of the investigation."

"At this time, we cannot comment on the circumstances surrounding this man's death until we have interviewed witnesses from various hunting parties."