Police urge safety in the outdoors on eve of hunting seasons

Hunters are urged to watch their step and identify their targets "beyond all doubt".

As hunters gear up for "the roar" and duck shooting season, police are urging caution in the outdoors.

Senior Sergeant Shayne Wainhouse, of Whanganui Police, said with the deer mating season about to start and duck shooting beginning in May, the number of incidents involving hunters was expected to rise.

"Hunters go out throughout the year, but the most incidents occur during April and May," Mr Wainhouse said.

"Most hunting injuries come from a fall, a trip, a slip or a stumble."

The Central North Island and Canterbury have the highest number of hunting incidents.

"We want hunting to be an enjoyable experience for you and not marred by tragedy," Mr Wainhouse said.

"Identify your target beyond all doubt. The onus is always on the shooter to positively ID the target. Always assume it's a human and work to disprove that assumption, not the other way around."

Hunters should follow the Outdoor Safety Code, be careful of their footing and consider taking a personal locator beacon.

Anyone who is planning to use a firearm must have a valid firearms licence and comply with the New Zealand Arms Code. People without a licence must be with someone who does and that person must closely supervise the unlicensed person.

Basic firearms safety rules:
- 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 and drugs when handling firearms.