A helicopter equipped with night-vision equipment will be used in the search for a hunter missing in the Blue Mountains northwest of Balclutha.
Police and LandSAR teams have located some footprints of interest, and are continuing to scour the area north of Clydevale where the man was hunting yesterday with companions.
The man is understood to have a lighter with him, and searchers are hopeful that this light source will be picked up on the night-vision equipment used by the helicopter.
The man has also fired shots from his rifle, which is helping searchers pinpoint his location.
The search will continue throughout the night.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre