‘The Mid Dome Poaching Project’ will put the spotlight on poachers and educate hunters on protecting private property and ensuring the safety of hunters and farmers.
In a statement today, police said the Mid Dome area has seen a rise in illegal hunting activity since 2022, with hunters breaching Doc permit conditions and trespassing onto privately owned farmland.
Senior Sergeant Peter Graham said farmers bordering the Mid Dome Conservation Area in inland Southland have reported repeated incidents of poaching and safety concerns.
“This project is about working together to educate hunters, enforce the law and protect Southland’s rural communities."
Doc ranger Jono Airey said hunting permits were issued for public conservation land only.
“Hunters must respect boundaries and seek permission before crossing private property. We're committed to working with police and landowners to ensure responsible hunting practices."
Farmer Maurice King's property borders the conservation area and he supports the project.
“We’re not anti-hunting - we’re anti-illegal hunting. Hunters need to know spotlighting from roads is illegal and they will be held to account."
The Mid Dome Poaching Project will operate throughout the summer hunting season and into the "roar period", when deer mate, in April next year.
Snr Sgt Graham appealed to the public to help them identify poachers.
"We ask anybody to report suspicious behaviour to us, including suspicious vehicles or people, in your local area.
"If it is happening now, call 111. If you are reporting information after the fact, call 105 or go online."
- Allied Media
