Senior Constable Nayland Smith, of Omarama, said police had recently received "quite a few" complaints about illegal hunting in the Omarama and Lindis Pass areas, including one incident in which a cattle beast had been shot in a probable case of "mistaken identity".
As result he had changed his own roster and asked for extra police staff for Omarama, Kurow and Lindis Pass to target poaching.
Anyone caught trespassing on private land could be imprisoned or fined up to $100,000, he said.
Firearms licences could also be revoked and firearms and vehicles seized.
If someone was found illegally on land where wild animals were usually found, and that person was equipped for hunting, it was presumed that person was hunting or killing animals in the area.
"It’s up to the poacher to prove they weren’t hunting, rather than the prosecutor having to prove they were."
He urged the public to call police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with any information about poaching or spotlighting.
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From the Central Otago experience, might be more successful against poachers if the police didn't bring more police in especially ones from Christchurch.
"If someone was found illegally on land where wild animals were usually found, and that person was equipped for hunting, it was presumed that person was hunting or killing animals in the area." . . . . Hmmmm, that rule hasn't always been applied, has it?