"He was in a distressed state,'' a family statement said.
"He is an avid hunter and fly fisherman and knows the terrain.
"This is not in character as he has left his dogs, whom he never leaves and usually says where he is going.''
Young's family said they reached out to police, but had been told a lack of resources meant a search team could not be dispatched.
A police spokeswoman confirmed authorities had received a missing person's report for Young yesterday morning.
"Police have been making inquiries. We don't have any other information we can provide at this stage,'' she said.
Have you seen Cameron Young? Call Blenheim Police: (03) 578 5279
