An ongoing police prevention operation seeking to highlight the risks and issues associated with hunting in Clutha-Taieri forestry blocks area has been hailed a success.
Police carried out the two-day Operation Lumber last weekend following a rise in reported incidents including wilful damage and rubbish dumping.
The operation also placed a significant emphasis of ensuring compliance with the Arms Act by hunters.
Area prevention manager Inspector Mel Aitken said hunting had inherent dangers associated with it, and the risk was amplified in areas where other people might be working.
The weekend operation covered several forestry blocks from Clutha to Mosgiel. Vehicles were stopped, drivers were breath-tested and checks were made to ensure hunters were complying with the Arms Act.
Insp Aitken said it was is encouraging that no serious offences were identified on this occasion,
Police took illegal hunting seriously and where there was evidence of any criminal offending it was highly likely a prosecution would follow, she said.
Hunters were also reminded that those caught hunting illegally may also face a review of their hunting licence.
Although police were relatively pleased with those groups spoken to over the weekend, further prevention operations were likely in the coming months.
