A Tauranga man is in critical condition after being shot.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances which led to the man suffering a gunshot wound in the Kaimanawa Ranges yesterday.

The 48-year-old Tauranga man is in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital, says a police spokesperson.

"Initial enquiries have established that the man had been hunting with a companion and was shot by him, after his companion mistook him for a deer.

"Police will be undertaking a scene examination in the Kaimanawa Ranges today.

"While enquiries into this incident are ongoing, this does serve as a timely reminder to hunters to ensure that they identify their target beyond all doubt," says police.

"The consequences of failing to do so are immediate and can be tragic and catastrophic. "

Early last month, during the opening hunting season known as the Roar, a Katikati man was fatally shot after being mistaken for a deer.

Gordon Douglas Leech, 57, died after being shot in the chest by another hunter in a remote section of bush in the Kaimai Mamaku Ranges, near Te Aroha, on Easter Monday.

He was hunting deer alone in a remote area of bush when he was shot by one of two men in another hunting party.

A man accused of killing a hunter in bush in the Kaimai Ranges has admitted the charge.

Quentin Clay Mccreedy, 37, of Waitoa, later pleaded guilty to causing the death of Leech by carelessly using a firearm, namely a Tikka T3 hunting rifle. He is due to be sentenced on May 30.

-Additional reporting from Stuff.co.nz