UPDATED 5.28PM A man shot dead in a hunting accident in Central Hawke's Bay today was a soldier at the Linton Military Camp.

The 25-year-old was hunting with two Army friends and a dog in the Ruahine Ranges when he was accidentally shot by a hunter who was not part of his group.

Police have reported the man was shot around 11.30 this morning on the Sparrowhawk Track.

Police are speaking with the man involved in the shooting, and one of the dead man's hunting companions who walked out of the bush with the dog - which was also injured.

The other member of the man's hunting party remains at the scene with the dead man.

Police say the body will remain in the bush overnight.

A scene examination is underway.