The opening weekend of duck-shooting season begins on May 1, but Southern District operations manager Inspector Lane Todd has fired the first volley.
"I want to emphasise that keeping firearms and alcohol completely separate is essential."
In recent years there had been more people mixing alcohol and duck-shooting - an offence under the Arms Act, Insp Todd said.
"Some people are not hearing the message."
In an effort to crack down on law breakers, "dozens" of extra police staff would be rostered to work on the opening weekend, and would also target drink-drivers, Insp Todd said.
Western Southland and Clutha districts could expect a larger police presence, he said.
Police would have no hesitation in revoking people's firearms licence if they were found breaking the law.
Road patrols would also be out in force.
Last year, several people who were caught driving with an excess breath-alcohol had firearms in their vehicles and were heading out to shoot, he said.
Also reiterating the safety message was Fish and Game Otago operations manager Ian Hadland, who said while duck-shooting was a social situation for many, drinking and firearms did not mix.
" And it won't help you shoot better," he said.
