A police search is underway in the Kaimai Range after two deer hunters with little knowledge of the area went missing yesterday.

The two men, aged 44 and 20-years-old, entered the bush from Whakamarama Road at around 4am on Tuesday and were due to return at 9am.

Two men are missing in the Kaimai Range after setting out on a hunting expedition. Photo: File.

They managed to make a mobile phone call to family members at 11am to advise they were lost, just prior to the phone cutting out.

Police say they were advised at 4.20pm yesterday of the missing men.

The men are not experienced hunters and have limited knowledge of the area.

It is understood that they are equipped only with the clothing they are wearing along with a firearm and a torch.

They have no food or supplies with them.

Police SAR and volunteer Land Search and Rescue teams were activated and have been searching overnight in the bush.

A rescue helicopter was also initially deployed but had to suspend flying due to the adverse weather conditions in the ranges.

Additional search and rescue teams from Waikato have joined the operation this morning.

Police urge anyone venturing into the bush to ensure they are well equipped for every eventuality and not just the planned activity.

With the summer season over, it is even more important to ensure appropriate, food, clothing and equipment is carried in the event that things don't go to plan.

SunLive will have further information when it becomes available.

More teams join search for two hunters missing in the Kaimai Ranges http://t.co/INcQsJoRLH

— Bay of Plenty Police (@BOPPolice) May 26, 2015