A helicopter with night-vision equipment has been called in to help search for a missing hunter in the Blue Mountains in West Otago.
Police said dogs were helping search and rescue teams in two places north of Clydevale, near Balclutha.
The searchers found footprints after they were called in to look for the man, which was about 11am.
The man had been hunting yesterday with a small group but separated from them before they left the bush.
He fired shots from his rifle to help the search effort, and was carrying a lighter, which searchers hoped would help pinpoint his location.
It's understood the man had basic hunting gear but was not prepared for an overnight stay, in what have been very cold conditions.
The search was set to continue throughout the night.
