A RABBIT-HUNTING trip ended in tragedy yesterday when a 17-year-old youth was accidentally shot dead on a farm off the Calder Freeway in Keilor.

Police said the teenager had been out with his uncle, an experienced shooter, and his 13-year-old brother just before 8am when the 12-gauge shotgun they were hunting with accidentally discharged and struck the youth in the lower abdomen.

Police and paramedics tried to resuscitate the boy for about an hour. His name had not been released.

Detective Senior Constable Paul Kinna said the group had been out hunting for about three hours and were returning to their car when the weapon discharged.

Believed to be the eldest of six children, the boy came from a close-knit family who were devastated by the news, Constable Kinna said.

"The whole family has taken it very hard. The mum is taking it exceptionally hard."

He said it was the first time the youngest boy had been shooting but the deceased boy had gone rabbit-hunting several times with his uncle.

Detective Senior Constable Paul Kinna said the accident emphasised the importance of firearm safety.

The uncle of the deceased teenager and the boy's younger brother were helping police in their investigations.

Constable Kinna said the shotgun was legally registered and there were no suspicious circumstances. But police were investigating whether shooting rabbits in that area was legal, given the property is near the Keilor Public Golf Course

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