A woman dived out of bed when shots fired by suspected poachers rang out near her home in the Hakataramea area, police say.
The woman was woken by a spotlight through her bedroom window and the sound of gunfire about 11pm on Saturday, Constable Nayland Smith, of Omarama, said.
''The shots were so close ... she actually dove out of bed and down on to the floor, where she called police,'' Const Smith said.
Police would increase night patrols after at least two reports of illegal hunting in the area, he said.
The second report was of a vehicle spotlighting at the weekend.
''A local farmer attempted to stop the vehicle to speak with the occupants. However, the vehicle quickly reversed away and drove off in the opposite direction.''
Police were following positive lines of inquiry.
''Some of the [farmers] affected have also begun their own type of neighbourhood watch group.''
Police were treating the reports as ''extremely serious, due to the high chance of a tragedy occurring''.
Anyone caught poaching would not be issued a warning.
''Any offences detected will result in prosecution.''
Police spoke to three Timaru men in the area after the first report on Saturday night, Const Smith said.
''A search of [their] vehicle recovered three firearms. Disturbingly, two of these firearms were loaded with ammunition in the chambers.''
However, police were satisfied they were not connected to the poaching reports, Const Smith said.
Inquiries were continuing.
''The only offence they have committed is carrying loaded firearms in a vehicle.''
Police are seeking information from anyone who saw a maroon Toyota Hilux Surf, or a white single-cab two-wheel-drive Toyota Hilux, in the area at the weekend.
Contact Omarama police on (03) 438-9599.
