10 Mar 2013

Devices to help prevent accidential shooting trialled

11:03 am on 10 March 2013

Devices aimed at reducing deaths caused by hunters not identifying their targets properly will be trialled this weekend.

The prototype gun-mounted sensor and patches which attach to hunters' clothing have been created by Hunter Safety Lab in Wellington.

Chief executive Michael Scott said the sensor has a range of about 200 metres and will beep if it detects the patches worn by hunters.

He said the trials will for the first time test the device in bush and in a realistic scenario, but shots will be simulated and there will be no live firing.

Mr Scott said his company plans to launch the product in the United States later this year.