Bay tramper shot in chest still critically ill | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

A Tauranga man who was shot in the bush south of Taupo on Wednesday night is still fighting for his life in Waikato Hospital.

The 69-year-old remained in a critically ill condition in the hospital's intensive care unit this morning.

He was shot in the chest by a man who was hunting with a rifle about dusk, in Lake Taupo Forest, 25km southeast of Taupo, about 10.20pm.

It is believed the injured man, who the Bay of Plenty Times understands lives in Pyes Pa and may have been tramping, was assisted by those at the scene.

Taupo Police Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen said the man had been shot near his shoulder and may also have a damaged lung.

There were two separate parties involved in the incident and a total of four people.

Mr Jeurisen said the area was not known for tramping. He said it was likely both of the parties were hunting at the time but confirmation was not available today.

Hunters need a permit to hunt in Lake Taupo Forest, as it is a closed forest area. Police said it was too early to say whether anyone would be charged.