Rowdy hunters barred from park

Kaweka Forest Park. Photo / Warren Buckland

Five hunters have been trespassed from the Kaweka Forest Park, after they allegedly spent a booze-filled Labour Weekend at a popular camping spot.

Department of Conservation services manager Dave Carlton said the department and police began investigating the behaviour of a group of hunters at Te Puia Lodge, after receiving complaints from trampers who also stayed there.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Mohaka River and is popular among trampers and families.

The complaints about the hunters included "undue noise, bad language, excessive consumption of alcohol over a 12-hour period, and misuse of firearms such as spot-lighting and discharging a firearm late at night".

"Several trampers left the hut early with their long weekend ruined."

Further complaints said the group had a number of large plastic buckets and barrels for storing and concealing equipment in the forest.

As part of their investigation, DoC staff travelled to Te Puia Lodge and a search of the area revealed a large underground stash of equipment, which contained a cut down .22 rifle, a small amount of cannabis, alcohol, cash and camping equipment.

Dave Carlton said the group's behaviour was "totally unacceptable" and as a result the hunters had been trespassed from the park for two years.

The department intended to increase compliance checks with checks on hunting permits and people with dogs.

The penalty for trespass is a fine of up to $1000 and/or term of imprisonment for up to three months.