Gore District Council parks and recreation manager Keith McRobie said there had been a recent increase in the number of reports of gunfire at Dolamore Park.
A reserve under the management of the Department of Conservation, the park is a gun-free and dog-free area meant for trails, biking and camping.
The park’s caretaker had reported an increase "particularly close to the children’s playgrounds and walking tracks", Mr McRobie said.
The caretaker, "despite regularly reminding hunters of the rules", had faced "resistance and unsafe behaviour".
It was important not to point fingers at hunters, but there needed to be a better understanding of what the park’s intended use was, Mr McRobie said.
"Dolamore Park is a place for families, walkers and nature lovers, not for hunting," he said.
"We’re taking steps to ensure everyone feels safe and protected.
"We’re a hunting community and we respect that.
"This campaign is about safe behaviour in the right places and about protecting kids, families and staff in a public reserve."
Key issues identified were hunters using Dolamore Park as an access point to carry firearms in and out, cutting through it with dogs and animal carcasses or parts being taken through the park.
Some hunters had ignored warnings and cited permits which did not apply for park access, with unsafe firearm handling and reported gunshots "close to the boundary" of the Croydon Bush Reserve, he said.
In response, the council is putting up "no shooting" signs at all park entrances and areas in partnership with police, as well as running a public awareness campaign and promotion of firearm safety.
Mr McRobie also asked people to report any concerning behaviour to the council or police.
"The quicker issues are reported, the better the response."
With more hunters out and about during the roar, it was critical hunters were at their most watchful and cautious, especially at this time of year and near public parks, Mr McRobie said.
Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenton, of Gore, said he was unaware of specific cases of firearm negligence in the Dolamore Park area, but reiterated the importance of responsible firearm use.
Snr Sgt Iddenton said especially with duck season right around the corner, hunters should know their targets and responsibilities.
Any reports around negligent firearm use or crimes should be reported to the local police, he added.
A spokesman for the Gore branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association said he was not aware of any incidents involving its members.
He declined to comment about Mr McRobie’s general concerns.
