13 Feb 2011

Search for missing hunter called off for the night

9:07 pm on 13 February 2011

The search for a missing hunter in Bay of Plenty has been called off for the night.

The 70-year-old has been missing since about 5.30pm on Saturday after he and a companion entered the Kaituna River in the Paengaroa area, just south of Te Puke.

The men were swimming to keep up with their dogs, which were chasing a pig.

An extensive search on Sunday, involving volunteers, boats and the police dive squad, has so far failed to find any trace of the 70-year-old hunter.

Police say the search will resume on Monday morning.