The fleeing poachers were blocked at one end of Monument Rd so did a u-turn and were chased until they reached a one-way bridge where a farmer had parked another vehicle.
"One fella took the rifle and ran off. We knew they had a gun because that's what they killed the sheep with," said one farmer, who did not want to be named for fear of retribution.
"We had them boxed in with our vehicles ... he wasn't going anywhere.
"One of the farmers up here loses about 200 sheep a year - that's about $20,000. There were a couple of cattle taken a few weeks ago and that's another $2000. We've had enough." Police arrested a 47-year-old Kawakawa man.
Federated Farmers estimated stock theft and poaching cost the farming community $120 million each year.
Northland Federated Farmers president Roger Ludbrook said stock rustling and slaughter was a big cost to farmers.
"It's a real bugger. People are stealing farmers' livelihoods and it's comparable to burglary. People are coming on to private property and stealing."
Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard warned farmers not to approach poachers but instead observe and take down vehicle details and descriptions of offenders.
"This person had a firearm and it could have ended up a very dangerous situation. Don't confront them you just don't know what they are going to do."
She said while it was a distressing situation for farmers with dead stock, it was best to let police locate offenders.
Theft of stock is punishable by a maximum seven years in jail. Anyone found guilty of selling stolen meat can be charged under the Animal Products Act, face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said a 47-year-old Kawakawa man will appear in the Whangarei District Court on Friday charged with theft of stock. She said police were following strong leads in relation to the second man involved.
