Police using thermal binoculars and drones to find illegal hunters
123rf.com
Hawke's Bay police say they are using thermal binoculars and drones to track down illegal hunters.
At least 16 hunters - encroaching onto private land - have been caught in the region in the past six months.
Sergeant Ray Wylie said hunting on private property without permission increased the likelihood of an accidental injury or death.
"Lawful hunting parties are often not expecting to come across other hunters when they are operating on private property. When you hunt illegally you are putting your party and other legal hunters at risk.
"Not only is it dangerous, but it is also detrimental to businesses and individuals in the community who lose money," Wylie said.
Illegal hunters were risking prosecution and having firearms licences revoked and their firearms destroyed.
Wylie appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious activity, vehicles or people to help the police focus their inquiries in local areas.
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