Key Takeaways
- A hunting trip on Stewart Island turned tragic when 21-year-old Jock Davies was fatally shot by his companion, Stevens.
- Stevens had been hunting deer since the age of 16, but this was his first time hunting on Stewart Island and his first experience hunting white-tailed deer.
- The incident occurred when Stevens mistook Davies for a deer and fired a shot from his scoped Tikka.308 rifle.
- Stevens faces a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a $4000 fine and has been remanded at large for sentencing in March.
- The court has ordered a full pre-sentence report and authorised restorative justice, and an order is being sought for the forfeiture of the rifle and ammunition used in the shooting.
Introduction to the Incident
The night before the shooting, the group of hunters, including Stevens and Davies, had engaged in diving for pāua, shared an evening meal, and consumed alcohol. The next morning, plans were made to split into smaller parties, with some members going hunting and others fishing. Davies was dropped off from a dinghy and began hunting his way back toward the hut through the bush, while Stevens and another associate went in the opposite direction to hunt. According to police, Stevens later described the terrain as particularly difficult and unfamiliar, rating the bush as "gnarly" and extremely thick.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
Stevens and his associate had been walking for a period when they stopped at a fallen tree, sitting and facing in opposite directions in the hope of spotting deer. While sitting there, Stevens heard a shuffling noise about 20m away, which he believed sounded like a kiwi scratching in the bush. Moments later, he saw a dark, shadowy image move into view through the vegetation. Stevens told police the figure appeared larger than a sheep but smaller than a red deer and believed it was a white-tailed deer due to its brownish colouring. Police say Stevens observed the movement briefly before the figure began to walk away. Confident it was a deer and not wanting to miss the opportunity, Stevens chambered a round and fired a single shot from his scoped Tikka.308 rifle, aiming for what he believed was the neck area of the animal.
The Aftermath of the Shooting
After firing, Stevens bush-bashed toward where he believed the deer had been. On reaching the spot, he realised he had instead shot Davies, who was hunting back toward the hut and was wearing camouflage clothing. Police say Stevens initially thought someone should not have been hunting in the area, before realising the victim was Davies. At 10:44 am, Stevens activated the first of two emergency position-indicating radio beacons, alerting the Rescue Coordination Centre to the incident. A Heli Otago air ambulance was dispatched from Mosgiel shortly after 11 am, with paramedics arriving at the remote scene around 1 pm. Davies was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stevens’ Explanation and Charges
In his explanation to police, Stevens described shooting through the bush as a "dumb move" and said he had failed to properly identify his target. The summary of facts also notes Stevens told police the last thing he expected to see was Davies, as the victim was supposed to be hunting back toward the hut and Stevens and his associate had travelled further left than their intended hunting direction. Stevens faces a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a $4000 fine and has been remanded at large for sentencing in March. The court has ordered a full pre-sentence report and authorised restorative justice. An order is also being sought for the forfeiture of the scoped Tikka.308 rifle and ammunition used in the shooting.
Conclusion and Future Proceedings
The incident highlights the importance of proper identification and caution when hunting, especially in dense and unfamiliar terrain. Stevens’ mistake has resulted in the loss of a life, and he will have to face the consequences of his actions. The court’s decision to order a full pre-sentence report and authorise restorative justice suggests that they are taking a thoughtful and considered approach to the case. The forfeiture of the rifle and ammunition used in the shooting is also a significant step, as it acknowledges the role that the weapon played in the incident. As the case moves forward, it will be important to consider the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the impact that it has had on all parties involved.