Waikato Police are concerned for the safety of a Coromandel hunter who hasn't been seen since he left to go possum hunting yesterday afternoon.

Search and Rescue Coordinator sergeant Vince Ranger says the family of 50-year-old Kaimarama man Scott Grant Driver contacted police this morning after he failed to return home.

Waikato Police say 50-year-old Kaimarama man Scott Grant Driver who's not been seen since he left to go possum hunting yesterday afternoon. Photo: Police

'Scott had been out hunting with two Pittbull Terrier dogs between Cooks Beach and Hahei yesterday but failed to return home overnight.

'Concerned friends and relatives conducted an unsuccessful search, which included the use of a helicopter, for him overnight and raised the alarm with Police this morning.”

About 20 Land Search and Rescue volunteers and a Coastguard launch have been searching for him today and were joined by the Auckland based Police Eagle Helicopter.

Vince says it was out of character for Scott to remain out for such a long period because his hunting trips usually only take a few hours.

'Further concerns were raised when we recovered his two dogs,” adds Vince. 'Temperatures overnight were very cool and the same is expected tonight.

Scott was described as wearing a black beanie, olive green bush shirt, dark coloured hunting pants and gumboots when he headed out yesterday afternoon

Police do not believe he had food or equipment to sustain him over an overnight hunt.

Searches will remain in the area today and into the night but police are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Scott out on the road between Cooks Beach or Hahei, or on the main road, SH25.

'Anyone who may have seen someone in the area matching this description is asked to contact their nearest Police Station.”