Police are taking the hard line on hunters caught shooting at deer near residential areas. Photo / File
Police are taking the hard line on hunters caught shooting at deer near residential areas. Photo / File
Police are again warning hunters against shooting at wildlife near residential areas after a man shot a deer in a Nelson reserve last night.
Three men are being dealt with by police after one of the hunters shot at a stag in Marsden Valley, near Stoke in Nelson about 12pmon Saturday.
The men were near Quail Rise in Nelson when they used a .22 rifle to shoot at the animal from their vehicle.
The animal was wounded.
Tasman District Police sergeant David Lauer from said: "One of the offenders wasn't able to shoot the animal dead so it will be wounded somewhere up there. These deer are tame and are not a test of someone's hunting skills. "
Lauer said police would be taking a "tough line" on anyone using firearms near residential properties as this was not the first time police have warned people against shooting stags in the reserve.
Anyone caught using firearms near a residential property will lose their firearms licence and face prosecution.
The police investigation is ongoing and no charges have been laid at this stage.
Firearms safety guidelines: Treat every firearm as loaded Always point firearms in a safe direction Load a firearm only when ready to fire Identify your target beyond all doubt Check your firing zone Store firearms and ammunition safely Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms
