Police investigating the shooting of a 38-year-old hunter in the Ruahine Ranges last night said there was no suggestion the shooting was a deliberate act.
This morning the man underwent surgery in Palmerston North Hospital and was in a critical condition in intensive care.
The shooting happened at Komako, 43km northeast of Palmerston North, in the Pohangina Valley.
The Palmerston North man suffered a serious arm injury and was flown to Palmerston North Hospital about 3am today.
Police said they were investigating the incident "as a matter of course", but there was no indication the hunter was shot deliberately.
They believe the shot was fired by the man's 49-year-old hunting companion, also from the Palmerston North area.
Palmerston North search and rescue received a call around 8.20pm yesterday from ambulance communications, after the hunting companion raised the alarm with a local farmer.
When the alarm was raised the Square Trust rescue helicopter was sent with advanced paramedics and police search and rescue team members.
Police also called out the Apiti Volunteer Fire brigade to help with carrying stretchers and organising helicopter landing zones.
Four members of the Manawatu Tramping Club were also flown to the area. The rugged terrain meant going was slow and ropes had to be used to safely carry the hunter out.
