The small Bay of Plenty community of Te Kaha is in shock after a local man was shot while hunting.

Carlos Ngamoki was fatally wounded while hunting deer on his own property with two other men last night.

The 27 year-old died at the property.

A local resident who didn't wish to be named, says Mr Ngamoki had a lot of hunting experience.

"Got on well with everyone around here and all the ones around his age group have taken it pretty hard, he was a lovely boy."