Updated 12.50pm: A hunter is in hospital after being shot in the back.

The 21 year old and a mate went to retrieve a deer they had shot when another member of their party mistook them for a deer.

The bullet struck the victim on a shoulder blade.

Police are investigating the incident which occurred in the Nukuhou area near Whakatane on Saturday night.

They say it's a reminder to hunters to follow all the safety rules in the Arms Code, and that no hunting trophy is worth having to live with the consequences of killing a mate.

Meanwhile duck shooters in Auckland and Waikato are in for a bumper season as farmers are reporting high duck numbers this year.

The duck shooting season begins on the first weekend of May.

Fish and Game Northern Wildlife Manager John Dyer says it's looking set to be a good season.

He says there are refreshing numbers of ducks about compared to recent years where numbers have been knocked around by droughts and floods.

The Arms Code

Rule 1: Treat every firearm as loaded

Rule 2: Always point firearms in a safe direction

Rule 3: Load a firearm only when ready to fire

Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt

Rule 5: Check your firing zone

Rule 6: Store firearms and ammunition safely

Rule 7: Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms