The police in Nelson are worried about an increase in illegal hunting, with reports hunters are wandering around in the dark with guns with silencers and night-vision equipment.
Police said they had revoked two firearm licences this year because of unlawful hunting, and with several sheep carcasses being found recently in a forest near Wai-iti, they had concerns for public safety.
Sergeant Rob Crawford said there had also been more reports of spotlighting in the Dovedale area.
He said if anyone had information about people involved in illegal hunting they should contact the police.