Safety fears over illegal hunters on sheep station

Central Otago police have expressed concerns over safety after illegal hunters were found on a sheep station in Matakanui.

Senior Constable Darren Cox said a group of men were disturbed hunting unlawfully on the station this month by a fencer, who was working on the sheep station with several other fencing staff.

The land owner had not known this group was on his property.

As well as the fencers, the farmer also had a pest controller working in the same area, Cox said.

‘‘Police are very concerned about this offending as it was extremely dangerous,’’ he said.

‘‘Unlawful hunting puts other people who may be in the area at risk and could have potentially fatal consequences.’’

It also carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.

All hunting-related items, including firearms, knives, dogs, GPS units and vehicles could also be seized.

There have been several incidents of unlawful hunting and poaching in Central Otago in recent months and police take these matters extremely seriously, Cox said.

Police urge all landowners and station managers to call immediately if they discover people unlawfully on their land.

Hunters must obtain permission from the landowner or permits from the Department of Conservation.

‘‘Unlawful hunting puts other people who may be in the area at risk and could have potentially fatal consequences.’’ Senior Constable Darren Cox