Hunters overdue in Haast area

A search for two hunters began in the Haast area today, after the pair failed to return to base camp last night.

Police said the hunters -- an Australian man and a Balclutha man, both aged about 40 -- did not return to Cascade base camp near the Jerry River as planned.

At 2pm yesterday, the three other men in the hunting party heard three shots in succession, which could have been a distress call.

They responded with three shots of their own but did not hear a reply.

The three men raised the alarm this morning by a radio call to the police southern communications centre, after the pair had not returned to camp.

Search and Rescue co-ordinator Constable Sean Judd, of Westport, said today a helicopter was carrying out an initial search of the area.

"We'll be winding things up initially with local (ground) crews after that," he said.

Mr Judd said the area was busy with hunters as it was close to deer roaring season, so the shots may have been from the men aiming at deer, or perhaps from another party.

He told NZPA the Balclutha man was an experienced hunter and very reliable, and would not have stayed away from base camp unless something was wrong.

- NZPA