Doc announced yesterday it would conduct the aerial 1080 drop in the Blue Mountains near Tapanui some time between May 14 and July 31, depending on the weather.
The drop affects the majority of the southern range, encompassing a contiguous 13,000ha.
In an advertisement in yesterday’s Otago Daily Times, Doc said the drop would help protect native species such as kākāriki, riflemen, falcons and mohua from predators such as possums, rodents and stoats.
The programme would mean hunters could not eat deer or pig caught within or near the drop area for four to eight months or longer, Doc said.
Hunting advocacy groups said the news was "disappointing", given what they said were government promises to look at alternative methods of pest control, such as trapping.
New Zealand Deerstalkers Association chief executive Gwyn Thurlow said the Blue Mountains were a popular hunting resource for the region.
The curb on hunting for food at a time of economic stress would be a blow for members, he said.
"A lot of hunters will be disappointed, as they won’t be able to take meat from their hunt. We’re aware of Doc’s reasoning behind the drop, but why not have a better programme, involving hunters maintaining trap-lines?"
He said the association was "constantly" asking Doc to review its 1080 use, and explore other control methods, but to no avail.
"With its high level of use and self-contained geography, the Blue Mountains would be a great place to test new methods. Why are we still reverting to an old technology [1080] in 2026? There are better ways, and better tools, and we should be using them."
New Zealand Game Animal Council chairman Grant Dodson agreed it was time to review 1080 policy.
Mr Dodson said it was not always the case that 1080 was the best solution for large-scale pest control.
"The area’s been 1080ed before, and the effects on species like fallow deer are usually pretty significant. Unfortunately, some residual effects from carcasses in the environment can make it dangerous for dogs for more than 12 months.
"The ability to go out and get your own kai is more important now than ever. I’d just like the decision to use 1080 to be taken fully recognising the value of a hunting resource to the wider community."
Doc said using 1080 to control predators had a net positive effect on wildlife.
"Through sustained predator control using 1080, there is a big increase in breeding success for native birds, their food source is more abundant and the forest canopy is healthier.
"The safest and most effective method we have to control possums, rats and stoats over large areas is to use biodegradable cereal bait pellets containing 1080."
Doc instructed those using the area not to touch bait, to watch children, keep dogs away from bait and not to eat animals from the area or a surrounding buffer zone.
Normal activities could resume when poison bait signs were removed.
