Rabbit numbers continue to rise, especially in Central Otago, Dunback and some parts of coastal Otago.
Many landowners had realised the need for poison operations this winter but of great concern was the amount of grass still available, Regional Services manager Jeff Donaldson said.
The success of poisoning programmes was reliant on there being little or no food options for the rabbits other than the poisonous bait.
Regional Services was fully committed to programmes in East Otago and Dunback and in Central Otago, the council was still working to identify properties with high rabbit numbers but it hoped to have that work completed by the end of the month, he said.
"We hope to be able to do work this winter."
He was "confident" regional services would be able to deliver the programmes needed with the availability of carrot on target.
Some landowners would also be under a notice of direction compelling them to control rabbit populations this winter, he said.
