Police in Central Otago say the conviction of a man for illegally hunting shows an initiative to target rural poaching is working.
A 26-year-old Oturehua man was convicted of unlawful hunting, trespass, unlawful possession of ammunition and obstructing police when he appeared in the Dunedin District Court earlier this month.
He was found illegally hunting with two women in the Naseby forest in May by the forest's manager.
He was sentenced to four months' community detention and 400 hours of community work, had a vehicle confiscated and was ordered to pay $662 in reparation.
His two associates were each sentenced to 100 hours' community work.
Police said the conviction showed that the joint approach by the police, farmers, the Department of Conservation and forestry workers was working.