Doc Central Otago district senior ranger Annette Grieve said a helicopter would be flying over the east and west branches of the Matukituki Valley and distributing the toxic pellets according to predetermined flight paths controlled by GPS.
She said the cylindrical cereal pellets were cinnamon lured and dyed green to deter birds but were poisonous to humans and domestic animals.
Poisoning could occur by eating baits or poisoned animals, including carcasses, and fishermen should wait up to seven days before consuming trout.
``All tracks in the east and west branch of the Matukituki Valley will be temporarily restricted while the helicopters are operating and for up to 24 hours during the toxic drop.''
``Immediately after the drop the tracks will be inspected by Doc staff and cleared of pellets but it is strongly recommended that people do not enter the treatment area until the tracks are cleared,'' she said.
As part of the 2017 ``Battle for our Birds'' predator control, Doc identified the Matukituki Valley as a priority area where native populations were under threat from predation by stoats and rats, Ms Grieve said.
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The hazard during the drop is that you have a remote chance of getting bonked on the head by a 1080 bait. After the drop, you're safe unless you have an urge to pick up and eat the green baits - yuck. As far as food gathering, don't eat fish caught in the first week, don't eat plants for the first month, don't eat game animals until a total of 100 mm of rain has fallen since the drop. Don't eat any dead animals that you find in the drop zone! The water is safe to drink.