A Southland hunter who went missing in the Hokonui Hills last week was lucky to have been found several hours later police say. Police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Ian Martin said Gore Police and the Eastern Southland Land Search and Rescue team were alerted to the lost hunter on April 21. He had used his mobile phone to raise the alarm with his wife, who in turn notified police at about 6.30pm, Sgt Martin said. "He was fortunate, as he had very little food and insufficient gear to spend the night in the bush," Sgt Martin said. The beacon shows rescuers your approximate location, taking the ‘search’ out of search and rescue.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 27, 2021 00:33 UTC