Hunter’s Tragic Death Reminder to ID Target Beyond All Doubt
Media Release
Following a hunting fatality on Rakiura/Stewart Island over the weekend, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding hunters to always identify their target beyond all doubt.
According to Police, 21-year-old Jock Davies, of Tapanui, was fatality shot while hunting near the remote Lords River area on Saturday 5 July 2025. Emergency services were first notified about midday, and a search and rescue helicopter located the man, who was already deceased. No further details have been made available.
This is a tragic and heartbreaking reminder of how critically important it is for hunters to be absolutely certain they’ve identified their target is an animal beyond all doubt– says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley.
“Movement, colour, sound and shape can all be deceptive. Hunters need to be acutely aware of the location of all members of their hunting party as well as their surroundings at all times, and assume a shape or movement is another person until they can prove otherwise without a doubt."
MSC also recommends all hunters wear high-visibility clothing that stands out in the bush, ideally blaze orange, to reduce the risk of misidentification.
“No matter your amount of hunting experience, a failure to identify your target beyond all doubt can have devastating consequences,” says Mike. “We want hunters to enjoy the outdoors with their mates and make it home safe every time.”
The team at MSC extends their sincere condolences to the hunter’s whānau, friends and community during this difficult time.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and loss of life,” says Mike. “The hunting community in Aotearoa is small and this loss will be felt far and wide.”
How to Identify Your Target Beyond All Doubt
- Know the location of all your hunting party members at all times. Always consider: Could the sound, shape, colour or movement be a person?
- Assume that any colour, shape, sound or movement is human until confirmed otherwise.
- Never aim at a sound, shape, colour or movement until you have identified beyond all doubt that it is not a person.
- Stop and ask yourself: Is this a person?
- Ask yourself: Is this the species I’m hunting? Is it a stag or hind? How old is it?
- Double-check before taking aim: Is this definitely not a person?
- Only take aim once you have identified beyond all doubt that it is not a person.
MSC also recommends hunters always wear high-visibility clothing that contrasts with the environment, ideally blaze orange.
Find Out More
- Learn about firearms safety in our Skills section
- Find tips and resources for planning a safe hunt in our Learn section
- Watch the Seven Basic Rules of Firearms Safety video series
PHOTO CREDIT | Tom Harris | Rakiura/Stewart Island