He checked through his scope twice before shooting his .270 rifle from about 34 metres. When he got to the target he realised he had shot his friend and tried to give first aid but Mr Dodds died instantly.
Worsp's lawyer Paul Mabey, QC, said there was no excuse for the fact Worsp had failed to identify his target but the police summary, compiled by an officer who was an experienced hunter, explained how the mistake may have happened.
It said what Mr Dodds was wearing and the fact he was in a crouching position meant he may have looked like the back of a deer, while a fern hanging in Worsp's line of sight looked like antlers. Mr Mabey said the degree of carelessness in this case was less than in other high profile hunting fatalities.
Mr Mabey said Worsp was a "respected professional in outdoor safety" and it was ironic and tragic he was in court on this charge.
"As counsel I can not remember a case where I have had the privilege of presenting so many references in support of someone's good character," he said.
He said Worsp, who is married with two young children, was hugely remorseful and had accepted responsibility immediately.
Mr Dodds' long-term partner Gabrielle Molloy believed in forgiveness and was in court yesterday to support Worsp, he said.
"One of the things that has helped her get through the loss of her partner is her ongoing friendship with Henry and his wife," he said.
Mr Mabey submitted jailing his client would be beyond what was required by the principles of sentencing.
"He has killed one of his best mates," he said. "He will live with this for the rest of his life."
In sentencing, Judge Cooper said he had read victim impact statements from Ms Molloy and Mr Dodds' mother and brother who were all devastated by the loss of the "remarkable" Mr Dodds.
"Whether forgiving or retributive they [the statements] are an important factor to be considered but they are only one factor and are not determinative."
He acknowledged the high regard in which Worsp was held.
"You are regarded as careful and safety conscious and are seen as a role model and leader," he told Worsp.
However he said there were two main aspects of culpability - the fact Worsp hadn't seen enough of his target to make an identification and that he didn't know for sure where his hunting partner was.
"You were thoroughly familiar with having to identity your target beyond all doubt," he said. "You made a tragic mistake."
Outside court, Worsp's father Peter Worsp said it had been a tragedy for both families.
"It has been a tragedy all around for everybody. Henry is full of remorse," he said. "His sentence will go on for years."
He said he had gone into the court process with full trust in the judicial system and he was happy with the outcome of the case.
Surrounded by supporters, Ms Molloy also appeared relieved.
"I just want to say I'm really happy with the result, that's all I want to say," she said.
Meanwhile, in September last year, Rotorua coroner Wallace Bain made a call for a manslaughter charge to be given to all hunters who shoot and kill a person while hunting.
Dr Bain made the call as part of his report into the death of Rosemary Ives, released in September.
