Hunter shot dead near Wanaka

Police are investigating how a hunter was shot dead near Wanaka. Photo / file

A 23-year-old man has been shot dead in a hunting accident near Wanaka early this morning.

Police were called to a farm property in the Maungawera Valley, just outside the town at about 2.30am.

The man had been rabbit shooting with two friends on farmland, when they spotted a deer and chased it into a patch of manuka.

In the course of the hunt a shot was fired, hitting the man in the back of the head.

He died at the scene.

Police are investigating the death on behalf of the Coroner and a criminal investigation is also underway.

- Herald Online staff