More than a dozen game poachers have been caught in a joint operation staged in South and West Otago mountains, and police say they will continue targeting those who hunt without permits or firearms licences.
Police have combined with forestry owner Ernslaw One, the Department of Conservation and the Clutha District Council to catch those they say create a potentially unsafe environment in the outdoors.
Mounting reports of damage to road signs and logging equipment, and diesel thefts in recent months prompted the operation which police say will continue.
Detective Sergeant Kate Bartlett, of Balclutha, said the operation targeted those who hunt without the necessary licences or permits.
The operation focused on the Conical Hill area in West Otago and on the other side of the Blue Mountains at Rankleburn, near Beaumont.
It found several hunters "spotlighting" at night who did not hold firearms licences or have permission to be in certain blocks.
Seven were caught by police last weekend, and at least that number are thought to have been caught by others in the operation.
"We've caught more than a dozen people over the last fortnight but we are not stopping there.
"This [operation] will be ongoing," Det Sgt Bartlett said.
Police were forming a database of offenders and would liaise with other police staff in the South.
Those caught so far have either been issued with trespass notices or will be charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Det Sgt Bartlett said having unlicensed hunters in blocks was potentially dangerous, especially for hunters who were in their blocks legally.
Someone could be hurt, or worse, she said.
