Man wounded while rabbit shooting

A man was shot in the torso with a .22 calibre rifle while rabbit shooting on a Hawke's Bay farm today.

Senior Sergeant Stuart Fleming said Waipukurau police were called to a farm in Paget's Road, Takapau, where the shooting happened about 9am.

The 28-year-old victim was taken by helicopter to Hawke's Bay Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery to remove the bullet. Mr Fleming said his condition was reported to be stable.

He said initial information was that the shooting happened while the victim and a 26-year-old man were out rabbit shooting with a .22 calibre firearm.

An investigation was underway into the circumstances of the shooting.

- NZPA