Three men have been charged after allegedly hunting on private rural property near Tāneatua in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called to the property about 3.15am after the owner spotted a suspicious vehicle on security cameras.

In a Facebook post, Eastern Bay of Plenty area prevention manager Inspector Ewan Dunsmuir said the property owner was on the phone to police when they heard what was believed to be a firearm being discharged.

“Police attended immediately and took three men into custody and seized a firearm,” Dunsmuir said.

Two men, aged 28 and 38, are due to appear in Whakatāne District Court today charged with unlawful hunting.

A third man, aged 34, is due to appear in Whakatāne District Court on October 6 charged with unlawfully entering an enclosed yard or area.

Dunsmuir said poaching remained a serious issue for rural communities.

“Police need the public’s help to tackle poaching, which is often under-reported.”

He encouraged people to report suspicious activity, including unfamiliar vehicles or people on or around private properties.

Anyone witnessing suspicious activity should call 111 immediately if it is happening at the time and it is safe to do so.

Information about non-emergency incidents can be reported online through the 105 service or by calling 105.