A Hastings man has been charged over the fatal shooting of a young soldier in the Ruahine Ranges.

He'll appear in court next week charged with careless use of a firearm, causing the death of Danny Jordan.

The soldier, who was based at Linton Military Camp, was killed on a Department of Conservation track at the end of March.

The 23-year-old was resting with two friends on the Sparrowhawk bivouac track, when he was shot by another hunter in a separate group.

A dog was also hit by fragments of bullets.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Restieaux said a 56-year-old Hastings man has been charged after allegedly firing one shot which hit Danny Jordan.

He said the man, who is an experienced hunter, is devastated and has been thoroughly cooperative throughout the investigation.