NSW Rifle Club Captain Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Pig Hunting Shooting

NSW Rifle Club Captain Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Pig Hunting Shooting A 63‑year‑old rifle club captain from Cessnock has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly shooting his 71‑year‑old friend during a pig hunt in the Upper Hunter. The case raises questions about firearm safety, hunting practices, and legal accountability in New South Wales. ⚖️ Court Charges Rifle Club Captain A 63‑year‑old man, John Butcher, captain of the Cessnock Rifle Club, has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal shooting during a pig hunting trip in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. Butcher appeared in court on Thursday, October 9, 2025, facing charges of manslaughter and using a firearm in a manner likely to injure a person. The victim, a 71‑year‑old man and long‑time friend of Butcher, died after being struck by a bullet while riding a quad bike through long grass. 🐗 The Pig Hunting Incident Police allege the shooting occurred on a property at Cassilis, where the two men were hunting pigs. According to court testimony, Butcher fired a shot that ricocheted off the ground before striking his friend, who had been hidden from view in the tall grass. The two men had known each other for 45 years, making the tragedy even more devastating for the accused. 📞 Immediate Response After the Shooting Butcher’s lawyer, Isabel Reed, told the court that her client immediately called triple‑0 and stayed with his wounded friend for nearly two hours until emergency services arrived. She argued that Butcher had taken due care and that the incident was a tragic accident, not negligence. “Mr Butcher had no idea his friend was there,” Reed said, adding that her client was “absolutely devastated” by the outcome. 🚔 Police Investigation and Firearm Seizure Following the incident, police seized multiple firearms from a safe at Butcher’s home in Kitchener, near Cessnock. Prosecutors argued that the shooting represented a gross act of negligence, opposing bail on the grounds of public safety. However, the court heard that Butcher voluntarily presented himself to police with his arms raised, cooperated fully with investigators, and expressed his intention to never own a firearm again. 📝 Bail Conditions and Next Court Date Magistrate Elizabeth Bushby granted Butcher bail under strict conditions. He must: - Not use or possess firearms - Report weekly to Cessnock police station - The case is scheduled to return to court on December 3, 2025. 🔫 Broader Debate on Hunting Safety The case has reignited debate about firearm safety during hunting trips in Australia. Pig hunting, particularly in rural NSW, is a common practice, but incidents like this highlight the risks of using high‑powered rifles in challenging environments such as long grass and uneven terrain. Advocates for stricter hunting regulations argue that more training and safety protocols are needed, while hunting groups stress that such tragedies are rare and that most hunters follow strict safety codes. 🌿 Community Impact and Reactions The shooting has shocked the Hunter Valley community, where both men were well known. The Cessnock Rifle Club, one of the region’s oldest shooting organisations, has not yet issued a formal statement but is expected to review its safety guidelines in light of the incident. For many, the case underscores the delicate balance between preserving hunting traditions and ensuring public safety in rural Australia. 🔑 Conclusion: A Tragic Case with Legal and Social Implications The manslaughter charge against John Butcher following the death of his 71‑year‑old friend during a pig hunt is now set to play out in court. While the defence insists it was a tragic accident, prosecutors argue it was a preventable act of negligence. The case will not only determine Butcher’s legal fate but could also influence future discussions on firearm laws, hunting safety, and community responsibility in New South Wales.