Hunter in Southland missing

Police were notified in the early hours of this morning, and search is currently under way. Photo / File

A hunter is missing in Southland.

The man got separated from his three hunting companions yesterday evening, and did not return to their vehicle, police said.

The group went into the bush in Dunsdale at around 2.30pm yesterday, but the man became separated around 5pm.

By 8pm, when his friends had returned to their vehicles, he was not there.

Police were notified in the early hours of this morning, and search is currently under way.

Around 15 LandSAR, Police Search and Rescue, and Amateur Radio Emergency Communications volunteers are involved in the search.

"The weather has been mild, however there is concern for the man having been out overnight," Southland Area Commander, Inspector Joel Lamb said.

"We're appealing for anyone who may have seen the man, who is Maori, in his 40s, solidly built, and who was dressed in shorts, a T-shirt, and hunting boots, to contact us."

Any information can be given to Southland Police on 03 211 0400.