Fatal Hunting Accident in Ruahine Range: A Warning on ‘Buck Fever’
A hunting trip in the Ruahine Range near Dannevirke ended in tragedy last Friday when a man was shot and killed by another hunter. The incident, which occurred during the deer mating season known as “the roar,” has prompted New Zealand police to issue a stark warning to the hunting community about the dangers of impulsive decision-making in the field.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
Police were notified of the shooting at approximately 5:27 p.m. On Friday. The incident took place on the track leading up to the Traverse (A-Frame) Hut, off Tamaki West Rd. According to Newstalk ZB, the deceased man was hunting alone when he was shot by another hunter who was part of a two-person party.
The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to unpredictable weather. Dannevirke Senior Constable Wayne Churchouse, coordinator for Police Search and Rescue, noted that while rescue helicopters from Palmerston North and Hawke’s Bay were deployed, incoming cloud cover prevented the airlift of personnel and gear. A paramedic had been lowered onto the track via helicopter but had to be extracted on foot by a “hasty team” from Tararua Land Search and Rescue.
The Danger of ‘Buck Fever’
While police have confirmed an investigation is underway, they have informed Hawke’s Bay Today that the shooting was accidental. Senior Constable Churchouse highlighted the role of “buck fever”—the intense desire to shoot a stag—which can lead to fatal mistakes, particularly during the roar.
The roar, or rut, is the mating season for deer and typically occurs from mid-March to the end of April. This period attracts a high volume of hunters to the area; Churchouse noted there were numerous cars at the car park below the Traverse Hut at the time of the incident.
- Location: Ruahine Range near Dannevirke, specifically near the Traverse (A-Frame) Hut.
- Cause: An accidental shooting during the deer mating season (the roar).
- Warning: Police urge hunters to remain conscious of “buck fever” to avoid fatal errors.
- Response: Involved Police Search and Rescue, Tararua Land Search and Rescue, and multiple rescue helicopters.
Summary and Outlook
The loss of life in the Ruahine Range serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with hunting in crowded areas during peak seasons. As police continue their investigation, the message from law enforcement remains clear: the desire for a trophy stag must never override basic firearm safety. Once a shot is fired, “you can’t get that bullet back.”